SCH004.LESSON
UNITY IN CHRIST—LESSONS FROM THE LORD'S SUPPER
SENIOR DIVISION, No. 234, FOURTH QUARTER, 1953
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
UNITY IN CHRIST
Lessons From the Lord's Supper
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
This series of lessons on the Lord's Sup-
per is full of meaning for the church today.
The Lord's messenger, writing on the life
of Christ many years ago, said: "Each sep-
arate event was an important chapter in the
working out of the redemption of the
world."—Review
and Herald,
June 18,
1895.
The Last Supper was one of the most sol-
emn and meaningful events in the whole life
of Christ on earth. It demonstrated His en-
during, redeeming love ; it revealed the
human heart in all its darkness, weakness,
and need. The event was to be a perpetual
memorial of the life, death, resurrection, and
return of our blessed Lord. This sacred
Communion was to keep the church of God
cleansed from sin, humble in spirit, devoted
in service; and it forever precluded any kind
of lordship other than that of the one Lord
and Master, Jesus Christ.
It is impossible to exhaust the spiritual
lessons of the Lord's Supper. A great bless-
ing will come to the church as she gathers
round the table where exclusiveness is for-
bidden, sin is forgiven, and where, above
all, Jesus is exalted to the kingship of our
hearts.
Lesson 1, for October 3,1953
The Lord's Supper—Its Setting and Significance
MEMORY VERSE:
"The Cup of blessing which we bless, is it not, the communion
of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion
of the body of Christ?" 1 Cor. 10:16.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 652-661.
AIM:
To review the historical background of the Lord's Supper and to emphasize
the significance of this ordinance.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey 5. Questions 11, 12; read "The Desire
of Ages," pp. 652-654.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 655-
661; review first section of les-
son.
7.
Review last two sections of lesson;
read and think about the Sug-
4. Questions 8-10.
gestions for Meditation.
[31
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Words; Introduction. Questions
1-4.
3.
Questions 5-7; memorize 1 Cor.
10:16.
Lesson Outline:
I. Introduction
II. Background Events
1.
Passover season. Luke 22 : 7.
2.
Peter and John sent to prepare.
Luke 22:8.
3.
Christ's sense of impending suffer-
ing. Luke 22:15.
4.
The Passover in the Old Testament.
a.
The lamb. Ex. 12:3.
b.
The blood. Ex. 12:7.
c.
The flesh, unleavened bread,
and bitter herbs. Ex. 12:8.
III. The Preparatory Service
1.
Jesus washes the disciples' feet. John
13:4-12.
2.
Jesus enjoins them to follow His ex-
ample. John 13 : 14-16.
3.
Results of following His example.
John 13:17.
IV. The Lord's Supper and Its Signifi-
cance
1. Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper.
Matt. 26 : 26-28.
2.
The
apostle Paul explains the sig-
nificance of the Lord's Supper.
1 Cor. 11:23-26.
3.
The cross, the glory of the Christian.
Gal. 6:14.
Key Words:
-
=
1. Passover.
The word "Passover" has
its origin in the
-
experience of the children of
Israel in Egypt when the angel of the Lord
passed over the homes on whose doorposts
the blood had been sprinkled.
timbal. The word comes from two
Greek words meaning "with" and "throw,"
or 'put together." A symbol is something
thrown in to make plain or add meaning to
that which'it- represents. The Passover, foot
washing, and'the Lord's Supper are symbols.
3. Emblem.
This word has almost the
same
,
meaning as "symbol." It comes from
the, two Greek words meaning "in" and
"throw." The bread and wine are emblems.
Emblems or symbols are aids to the under-
standing of spiritual truth.
THE LESSON
.
Introduction
It is alwayi good to ask
why
we should
study any theme. Even after we begin
studying it, we should keep asking why;
particularly if it concerns the life and min-
istry of Jesus. The study of Christ's life
will emphasize our need of holiness. All
holiness is preceded by knowledge.'
Every detail iq,,,the life.gif, Jesus is im-
portant. "Each separate event [in the life
of Christ] was an important chapter in the
working out of the redemption of the
world."-Ellen G. White, in
Review and
Herald,
June 18, 1895.
"It will tib you good . .. to frequently re-
view the closing scenes in the life of our Re-
deemer. Here . . . we may all learn lessons
of the utmost importance to us. It would
be well to spend a thoughtful hour each
day revieving
tr
the life of Christ. . . . We
should take it point by point and let the
imagination vividly grasp each scene, es-
pecially the closing ones of His earthly life."
-Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 374.
Background Events
1.
Whom did Jesus send to pre-
pare the Passover? How did they find
the place? Luke 22:7-13.
2.
How did Jesus'feel about 'eating
this 'particular Passover? Luke '22:15.
Nort."The 'Passover sUripeitliad- been
scenes of special interest; but upim this oc-
casion Jesus was troubled. ,His heart was
butdened, and a shadow rested upon HiS
countenance. As He met the disciples in the
upper chamber, they perceived that -some-
thing weighed heavily upon His mind, and
although they knew not its cause, they sym
pathized with His grief."--:--The
Diiire of
Ages,
page 642.
[ 4 ]
3.
What was the main symbol of
the Passover? Ex. 12:3, 7, 11.
4.
What other symbols were used
at the Passover? Ex. 12:8.
NOTE. —Wine was also used. Of the Pass-
over it was said, "Four cups of wine handed
round in succession were drunk at the pas-
chal meal."—A. R. Fausset,
Bible Cyclope-
dia,
art. "Passover."
"Christ is still at the table on which the
paschal supper has been spread. The un-
leavened cakes used at the Passover season
are before Him. The Passover wine, un-
touched by fermentation, is on the table.
These emblems Christ employs to represent
His own unblemished sacrifice. Nothing cor-
rupted by fermentation, the symbol of sin
and death, could represent the 'Lamb with-
out blemish and without spot.' 1 Peter 1:19."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 653.
The Preparatory Service
5.
How did Jesus make ready to
wash the disciples' feet, and how did
He proceed? John 13:4-12.
6.
What did Jesus say the disciples
should do, and why? (John 13:14-16:
NOTE.—"Now, having washed the dis-
ciples' feet, He said, 'I have given you an
example, that ye should do as I have done
to you.' In these words Christ wasimot
merely enjoining the practice of hospitality.
More was meant than the washing of the
feet of guests to remove the dust of travel.
Christ was here instituting a religious serv-
ice. By the act of our Lord this humiliating
ceremony was made a consecrated ordi-
nance. It was to be observed by the disciples,
that they might ever keep in mind His les-
sons of humility and service."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 650.
7.
What would be the result of
following His example? John 13:17.
The Lord's Supper and
Its Significance
8.
What emblems did Jesus use in
instituting the Lord's Supper? What
did these emblems represent? Matt.
26:26-28.
9.
How was this service closed?
Mark 14:26.
NOTE:—"Before leaving the upper cham-
ber, the Saviour led His disciples in a song
of praise. His voice was heard, not in the
strains of some mournful lament, but in the
joyful notes of the Passover hallel:
'0 praise the Lord, all ye nations:
Praise Him, all ye people.
For His merciful kindness is great toward
us:
And the truth of the Lord endureth forever.
Praise ye the Lord.' Psalm 117."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 672.
10.
How was the significance of
the Lord's Supper expressed by the
apostle Paul? 1 Cor. 11:23-26.
[5
1
11.
Of what- are the emblems of
the Lord's Supper to remind us? For
how long is this service to be ob-
served? 1 Cor. 11:25 (last part), 26.
NOTE:-"The ordinance of the Lord's
Supper was given to commemorate the great
deliverance wrought out as the result of the
death of Christ. Till He shall come the sec-
ond time in power and glory, this ordinance
is to be celebrated. It is the means by which
His great work for us is to be kept fresh in
our minds."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 652,
653.
12.
In what only did the apostle
Paul wish to glory, and why? Gal.
6:14.
NOTE:—"Looking upon the crucified Re-
deemer, we more fully comprehend the mag-
nitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by
the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salva-
tion is glorified before us, and the thought
of, Calvary awakens living and sacred emo-
tions in our hearts. Praise to God and the
Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips;
for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in
the soul that keeps fresh in memory the
scenes of Calvary.
"He who beholds the Saviour's matchless
love will be elevated in thought, purified in
heart, transformed in character. He will go
forth to be a light to the world, to reflect
in some degree this mysterious love. The
more we contemplate the cross of Christ,
the more fully shall we adopt the language
of the apostle when he said, 'God forbid that
I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ, by whom the world is cruci-
fied unto me, and I unto the world.' Gal.
6:
14."—The Desire of Ages,
page 661.
Suggestions for Meditation
1.
There was a definite relation of the
Passover to the Lord's Supper. The Passover
had the lamb and the unleavened bread.
See Exodus 12:5-8. There was wine also.
While the Pentateuch does not mention it
in connection with the Passover, yet the
Talmud mentions it, and the Mishna "strictly
enjoins" that it be present. See
Smith's Bible
Dictionary,
art. "Passover." Exodus 25:29
mentions spoons and bowls. Exodus 37:16
and Numbers 4:7 mention, as part of the
dishes on the table of shewbread, bowls to
cover (the margin says "to pour with").
Numbers 28:7 mentions wine as a drink of-
fering to be in the holy place, or first apart-
thent. Therefore it is apparent that wine
was used in the sanctuary service. Here in
the first apartment were symbols—the sym-
bol of Christ's life in the wine, of the light
of His word in the candlesticks, and of His
promises in the shewbread. Both the Pass-
over and the Lord's Supper had unleavened
bread and wine. Here are some relationships
worthy of meditation.
"The broken bread and pure juice of the
grape are to represent the broken body and
spilled blood of the Son of God. Bread that
is leavened must not come on the Com-
munion table. The unleavened bread is the
only correct representation of the Lord's
Supper. Nothing fermented is to be used—
only the pure fruit of the vine and un-
leavened bread are to be used."—Ellen G.
White, in
Review and Herald,
June 22,
1897.
2.
The Passover was
a
"holy convoca-
tion" (Ex. 12:11-16), and called for a prep-
aration. The Lord's Supper also calls for a
preparation—the washing of feet.
A teacher's edition of the
Senior Quarterly,
which contains
a
blank page for each printed page, will be available beginning
with the first quarter of 1954. Copies of the first issue will be in
print November 1, 1953.
[
6
]
Lesion 2, for October 10, 1953
The Lord's Supper and Life
MEMORY VERSE:
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he
that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever
liveth and believeth in Me shall never die." John 11:25, 26.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 524-536.
AIM:
To show that although the observance of the Lord's Supper commemorates
'
Christ's death, it also points forward to the second advent and life beyond
the grave.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
4. Questions 5-8.
of the lesson, based on outline.
5. Questions 9-12.
2.
Key
Words; Introduction. Questions
6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 524-
1, 2.
536.
3.
Questions 3, 4; memorize John 11:
7. Review entire lesson; think about
25, 26.
Suggestions for Meditation.
Lesson Outline:
I. Introduction
II. Christ the Giver of Life
1.
The origin of life. John 5:26; 1
John 5:12.
2.
The claims of Jesus. John 11:25.
3.
The proof of His claims. John 11:
43, 44.
III. Emblems of the Life-Giver
1.
The blood of the lamb saved life.
Ex. 12:7, 13.
2.
Jesus was the Lamb of God. John
1:29.
3.
Believers triumph by the blood of
the Lamb. Rev. 12:11.
IV. The Lord's Supper and the Resur-
rection
1.
The celebration foreshadowed the
second advent. 1 Cor. 11:26.
2.
The second advent requires a res-
urrection. 1 Thess. 4:14, 16.
3.
Deliverance from death is by "the
blood of the everlasting cove-
nant." Heb. 13:20.
Key Words:
1.
"Covenant."
The Greek word
sun-
theke,
covenant, compact, or treatY
.;
be-
tween individuals or states, which is very
common in profane Greek, is not found in
the New Testament inasmuch as it connotes
a compact between equals. The word used
under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to
denote the covenant between God and man
is
diatheke,
which differs from the preced-
ing word in that its essential reference is
a
relationship established on one side only,
or between unequals. This relationship, is
established by God between Himself and
Hit, people, consisting of both ordinances
and the pledge of promises.
2.
"Resurrection"
is an English transla-
tion of a Latin word that means "to resurge"
or "to rise again." This gives added signifi-
cance to the vision of Stephen when he saw
"Jesus standing on the right hand of God."
Acts 7:55.
3.
"Testament"
means "contract, a
will, or a covenant." Christ's blood was the
seal of the new covenant, or new contract.
[7
]
THE LESSON
Introduction
In Christ only is there life. That life is
symbolized by His blood, which in turn is
represented by the wine. We show forth
the Lord's death by celebrating the Lord's
Supper. His life was made effectual for us
because of His death; therefore the Lord's
Supper represents His life which culmi-
nated in His death for us.
Life in Christ
1.
What does Christ possess within
Himself? John 5:26.
2.
In seeking to comfort the sor-
rowing Martha, what did Jesus de-
clare Himself to be? John 11:23-25.
NOTE.—"With human and divine pity
Jesus looked into her sorrowful, careworn
face. Martha had no inclination to recount
the past; all was expressed by the pathetic
words, 'Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my
brother had not died.' But looking into that
face of love, she added, 'I know, that even
now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God,
God will give it Thee.'
"Jesus encouraged her faith, saying, 'Thy
brother shall rise again.' His answer was not
intended to inspire hope of an immediate
change. He carried Martha's thoughts be-
yond the present restoration of her brother,
and fixed them upon the resurrection of the
just. This He did that she might see in the
resurrection of Lazarus a pledge of the
resurrection of all the righteous dead, and
an assurance that it would be accomplished
by the Saviour's power."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 529, 530.
3.
By what miracle did Jesus prove
that He was the resurrection and the
life? John 11:43, 44.
NOTE.—"Still seeking to give a true di-
rection to her faith, Jesus declared, 'I am
the resurrection, and the life.' In Christ is
life, original; unborrowed, underived. 'He
that hath the Son hath life.' 1 John 5:12.
The divinity of Christ is the believer's as-
surance of eternal life. 'He that believeth in
Me,' said Jesus, 'though he were dead, yet
shall he live: and whosoever liveth and be-
lieveth in Me shall never die. Believest thou
this?' Christ here looks forward to the time
of His second coming. Then the righteous
dead shall be raised incorruptible, and the
living righteous shall be translated to heaven
without seeing death. The miracle which
Christ was about to perform, in raising
Lazarus from the dead, would represent the
resurrection of all the righteous dead. By
His word and His works He declared Him-
self the Author of the resurrection. He who
Himself was soon to die upon the cross
stood with the keys of death, a conqueror
of the grave, and asserted His right and
power to give eternal life."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 530.
4.
How, then, may we be assured
of eternal life? 1 John 5:12.
The Life of Christ Symbolized
5.
How was the blood of the first
Passover lamb used? Ex. 12:7, 13.
6.
What did John declare Jesus to
be? John 1:29.
NOTE.—"In Jesus, as shown in types, as
shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the
revelation of the prophets, as unveiled in
the lessons given to His disciples, and in
the miracles wrought for the sons of men,
they have beheld 'the Lamb of God, which
taketh away the sin of the world,' and
through Him they are brought within the
fold of His grace."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 477.
7.
What statement of John indi-
cates the importance of Christ's shed
[ 8
11. When Jesus gave the cup to
the disciples, what did He say it sym-
bolized? Mark 14:24.
THE LORD'S SUPPER POINTS FORWARD
TO CHRIST'S SECOND ADVENT.
blood in individual victory over sin?
Rev. 12:11.
8.
What is the blood declared to
be? Gen. 9:4.
The Lord's Supper a Promise
of Life to Come
9.
How long was the observance
of the Lord's Supper to show Jesus'
death? 1 Cor. 11:26.
NOTE.—The expression "till He come"
indicates that He will come. The emblems
of the Lord's Supper are meaningless unless
Jesus lived after His death and is still liv-
ing. Although these emblems typify His
death, they are also bound up inseparably
with His life.
10. 'What does the apostle Paul
call the blood of Jesus? Heb. 13:20,
21.
NOTE.—In many Bibles the marginal
reading for "covenant" is "testament."
12. What solemn pledge did Jesus
make regarding the fruit of the vine?
Mark 14:25.
Suggestions for Meditation
1.
Jesus' death and life is our salvation.
"For if when we were enemies, we were
reconciled to God by the death of His Son,
much more, being reconciled, we shall be
saved by His life." Rom. 5:10.
2.
As we partake of the emblems of the
Lord's Supper, do we long for the life to
come when •we personally shall share the
Saviour's promise? See Rev. 22:20.
LESSON QUARTERLIES FOR THE BLIND
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[9
1
Lesson 3, for October 17, 1953
Who Shall Be the Greatest
MEMORY VERSE:
"Thou host also given me the shield of Thy salvation: and Thy
right hand hath holden me up, and Thy gentleness hath made me great."
Ps. 18:35.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 432-442.
AIM:
To study true greatness, evaluate it, and discover how to attain unto it.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey
4. Questions 8-10; memorize Ps. 18:35.
of the lesson, based on outline.
5. Questions 11-14.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 432-
442.
7.
Review entire lesson; think about
3. Questions 4-7.
Suggestions for Meditation.
2. Key Words; Introduction. Questions
1-3.
Lesson Outline:
I. Introduction
II. Jesus' Teaching on True Greatness
1.
The disciples' unworthy ambitions.
Mark 9:34.
2.
Christ's teaching on true greatness.
Mark 9:35.
3.
Christ's teaching in practice. Matt.
20:28; John 13:4, 5, 14.
III. Greatness, Humility, and Honor
1.
God and earthly greatness. Isa. 10:
33, last part; Matt. 23:12.
2.
God and the humble in heart. 1 Pe-
ter .5:5, 6.
3.
The way of true honor. Rom. 2:7.
IV. Examples of Unselfishness
1.
The secret of Moses' greatness. Ex.
32:31, 32.
2.
Paul's readiness for self-sacrifice.
Rom. 9:3.
3.
David's confession and magnanim-
ity. 2 Sam. 24:17.
4.
Mordecai's concern for his people.
Esther 10:3.
5.
John's self-abnegation. John 3:30.
6.
Jesus the supreme example of self-
abasement. Phil. 2:5-8.
Key Words:
1.
Exalt
is from
ex
(out) and
altus
(high), which means "to take out from its
surroundings and raise in altitude."
2.
Gentleness
means "wellborn, mild,
docile, or soothing." In 2 Corinthians 10:1
the Greek word for "gentleness" means
"mildness, suitableness, appropriateness;"
and in Galatians 5:22 it has the flavor of
"usefulness and kindness."
3.
Honor
means "esteem paid to worth,"
or "that which rightfully attracts respect."
In Romans 12:10 the Greek for "honor"
means "esteem" or "value."
4.
Humble
comes from humus
(ground) ; therefore one who is humble is
on the ground. In both the Hebrew and
Greek the words translated into "humble"
mean "lowly in disposition," or "humility
of mind."
5.
Pride
means "inordinate self-esteem."
The Greek word translated
pride in
1 Tim-
othy 3:6 means "enveloped with smoke;
pompousness, haughtiness, or inflated with
self-conceit."
6.
Selfishness
hardly needs defining,
but the following quotation will clarify our
thinking on the subject.
"Self-idolatry, . . . lies at the foundation
of all
sin."-Gospel Workers,
page 114.
10
THE LESSON
Introduction
Whether it be nations, states, churches,
groups, families, or individuals, the usual
question is, "Who shall be the greatest ?"
Jesus wants men to learn that greatness de-
pends upon the willingness to serve.
Jesus Discusses Greatness
1.
With what discerning question
to His disciples did Jesus open the
subject of greatness prior to the in-
stitution of the Lord's Supper? Mark
9:33, 34.
NOTE.—"When the disciples entered the
supper room, their hearts were full of re-
sentful feelings. Judas pressed next to Christ
on the left side; John was on the right. If
there was a highest place, Judas was de-
termined to have it, and that place was
thought to be next to Christ. And Judas
was a traitor. . . .
"How was Christ to bring these poor
souls where Satan would not gain over
them a decided victory? How could He
show that a mere profession of discipleship
did not make them disciples, or ensure them
a place in His kingdom? How could He
show that it is loving service, true humility,
which constitutes real greatness? How was
He to kindle love in their hearts, and en-
able them to comprehend what He longed to
tell them
?"—The Desire of Ages,
page 644.
2.
What did Christ teach about
greatness? What effective illustration
did He employ? Mark 9:35-37; Matt.
18:2-4; 20:26, 27.
NoTE.—"Again Jesus explained to the
disciples that His kingdom is not character-
ized by earthly dignity and display. At the
feet of Jesus all these distinctions are for-
gotten. The rich and the poor, the learned
and the ignorant, meet together, with no
thought of caste or worldly pre-eminence.
All meet as blood-bought souls, alike de-
pendent upon One who has redeemed them
to God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 437.
" 'You see this child,' said He; 'I tell you
solemnly, that, unless you abandon your
present worldly ideas and ambitious
thoughts, and become as simple and humble
as it, and as lovingly dependent on God as it
is on man, you shall not even enter My king-
dom, far less hold a high place in it. You see
how this child has no thought but of per-
fect loving trust towards Me; how it does
not pretend to give the worth of what it
receives, but opens its whole soul to Me
with artless innocence. Such sweet humility
must be found in him who would seek to
be greatest in My new kingdom. To have
the heart of a child is a fixed abiding con-
dition of admission, of accepted service, or
of honor. This child is willing to be the
least of you all, and to serve you all, and,
as I have said, whoever of you is like it in
this, is the greatest among you. Your am-
bition must guide itself by this rule. Your
strife shows that you have not yet rightly
grasped the true nature of My kingdom. It
has no external dignities of power and rank,
for it is a reign of principles, not a worldly
dominion. All its members are therefore,
brethren, on a footing of perfect equality.
. . . The honors of My kingdom are won
only by spiritual likeness to Myself, your
example and Master. Self-denial, self-sac-
rifice; the surrender of person and goods for
the sake of the brotherhood; unselfish love
are the only path to the highest place.' "
Cunningham Geikie,
The Life and Words
of Christ,
page 572.
3.
What statement did Jesus make
concerning His mission? How did
He exemplify this at the supper in
the upper room? Matt. 20:28; John
13:4, 5, 14.
God's Estimate of True Greatness
4.
Whom does God exalt, and
whom does He humble? Isa. 10:33;
Matt 23:12; 1 Peter 5:6.
5.
What precedes a fall? How is
this illustrated in the experience of
Lucifer? Prov. 15:33; 16:18; Isa. 14:
12-15.
NoTE.—"When men exalt themselves,
feeling that they are a necessity for the
success of God's great plan, the Lord causes
them to be set aside. It is made evident that
the Lord is not dependent upon them."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 436.
"The strife for the highest place was the
outworking of that same spirit which was
the beginning of the great controversy in
the worlds above, and. which had brought
Christ from heaven to
die."—Ibid.,
p. 435.
6.
To whom does God give grace,
and with whom does He dwell? 1
Peter 5:5, 6; James 4:6; Isa. 57:15.
NOTE.—"The proud heart strives to earn
salvation; but both our title to heaven and
our fitness for it are found in the righteous-
ness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing
toward the recovery of man until, con-
vinced of his own weakness, and stripped of
all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the
control of God. Then he can receive the
gift that God is waiting to bestow. From
the soul that feels his need, nothing is with-
held. He has unrestricted access to Him
in
whom all fullness
dwells."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 300.
7.
In what is the Christian ex-
horted to seek to continue? Rom. 2:7.
Examples of Great Unselfishness
8.
How did Moses, in talking with
God, show his love and unselfishness
toward the people he had led from
Egypt? Ex. 32:31, 32.
9.
How does Paul's experience
compare with that of Moses? Rom.
9:1-3. Compare Ex. 32:32.
10.
What was David's attitude to-
ward his own people
,
and toward
those who had witnessed against
him? 2 Sam. 24:17; Ps. 35:11-13.
11.
What spirit of greatness did
Mordecai manifest toward his peo-
ple? Esther 9:4; 10:3, last two phrases.
12.
How did John the Baptist re-
veal true greatness in speaking of
Jesus? John 3:30.
NoTE.—"John the.Baptist, at his appear-
ance as the Messiah's herald, stirred the na-
tion. From place to place his steps were fol-
lowed by vast throngs of people of every
rank and station. But when the One came
to whom he had borne witness, all was
changed. The crowds followed Jesus, and
John's work seemed fast closing. Yet there
was no wavering of his faith. 'He must in-
crease,' he said, 'but I must decrease.'
"—
Education,
page 157.
12
13.
What example of humility does
the 'apostle Paul admonish us to fol-
low? Phil. 2:5-8.
14.
Whom did Jesus honor, and
whose glory did He seek? What esti-
mate did He place on self-honor?
John 8:49, 50, 54.
NOTE.-" seek not Mine own glory,'
but the glory of Him that sent Me. In these
words is set forth the great principle which
is the law of life for the universe. All things
Christ received from God, but He took to
give. So in the heavenly courts, in His min-
istry for all created beings: through the be-
loved Son, the Father's life flows out to
all; through the Son it returns, in praise
and joyous service, a tide of love, to the
great Source of all. And thus through
Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete,
representing the character of the great
Giver, the law of life."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 21.
"The whole life of Christ had been a life
of unselfish service. . . . He did not think
of Himself."—Ibid., pp. 642, 643.
Suggestions for Meditation
1.
"In the estimation of heaven, great-
ness of character consists in living for the
welfare of our fellow men, in doing works
of love and mercy."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 613.
2.
"The only greatness is the greatness of
humility. The only distinction is found in
devotion to the service of others."—Ibid.,
p. 650.
3.
"Those who have had the deepest ex-
perience in the things of God are the far-
thest removed from pride or self-exalta-
tion."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 223.
Lesson 4, for October 24, 1953
The Preparatory Service
MEMORY VERSE:
"Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If
I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash
one another's feet." John 13:13, 14.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 642-651.
AIM:
To learn anew lessons of love and humility from the ordinance of foot
washing.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Words; Introduction. Questions
1-4.
3.
Questions 5-7.
4.
Questions 8-10; memorize John 13:
13, 14.
5.
Questions 11-14.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 642-
651.
7.
Review entire lesson; think about
Suggestions for Meditation.
[ 13]
Lesson Outline:
I.
Introduction
II.
Love and Humility in Action
1.
Jesus knew His end was near. John
13:1, first part.
2.
He loved unto the end. John 13:1,
last part.
3.
He served in humility unto the end.
John 13:4, 5.
Ill. The Master's Treatment of Judas
1.
He knew the traitor, but did not
shame him publicly. John 13:11.
2.
He warned Judas and gave him time
to repent. John 13:18, 19.
3.
He indirectly revealed Judas to the
eleven. John 13:26.
IV. The Master's Method With Peter
1.
He revealed Peter's proud heart.
John 13:6,.8.
2.
He drew forth Peter's love of
Christ. John 13:9.
3.
He explained the symbolic meaning
of foot washing. John 13:10.
V. The Spiritual Meaning of Foot Wash-
ing
1.
It unites believers with their Lord.
John 13:8, second part.
2.
It promotes humility and equality.
before God. John 13:14-16.
3.
It encourages peace and happiness
among the believers. John 13:.17.
Key Words:
1.
Happy
comes from the word
hap
and means "favored by luck or fortune."
However, a Christian learns happiness as
Paul learned contentment. See Philippians
4:11. The Greek word translated "happy"
in John 13:17 is the identical word trans-
lated "blessed" in the Beatitudes. The
Greek word translated
happy
and
blessed
in the places mentioned has in its meaning
a flavor indicating "divine good will."
2.
The towel
with which Jesus girded
Himself had a special significance. Peter, re-
viewing the experience of having Jesus wash
His feet, wrote 1 Peter 5:5. The King James
Version reads: "Be clothed with humility,"
while Moffatt translates it, "Put on the
apron of humility to serve one another."
"The Greek word for 'the towel,' with
which our Lord girded Himself, occurs also
in rabbinic writings .to denote the towel
used in washing and at baths
(Luntith
and
Aluntith).
Such girding was the common
mark of a slave, by whom the service of
foot washing was ordinarily performed."
—Alfred Edersheim,
"The, Life and Times
of Jesus the Messiah,
new American ed.,
vol. 2, pp. 501, 502.
THE LESSON
Introduction
When we have gathered around the
Lord's table, there should be thanksgiving
and praise. The preparatory service of
foot washing is the time to clear away the
problems of sin and alienation. Sadness
should not be carried over, nor should a
spirit of judging have any place around the
Lord's table.
"As the Lord's disciples gather about His
table, they are not to remember and la-
ment their shortcomings. They are not to
dwell upon their past religious experience,
whether that experience has been elevating
or depressing. They are not to recall the
differences between them and their breth-
ren. The preparatory service has embraced
all this. The self-examination, the confes-
sion of sin, the reconciling of differences,
has all been done. Now they come to meet
with Christ. They are not to stand in the
shadow of the cross, but in its saving light.
They are to open the soul to the bright
beams of the Sun of Righteousness. With
hearts cleansed by Christ's most precious
blood, in full consciousness of His presence,
although unseen, they are to hear His
words, 'Peace I leave with you, My peace
I give
,
unto you: not as the world giveth,
give
I
unto you.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 659.
Love and Humility in Action
1. Knowing that His earthly min-
istry was about finished, what was
Jesus' attitude toward His disciples?
John 13:1.
[ 14 ]
2.
What act of loving service did
Jesus begin to perform? John 13:5.
3.
What three things were fore-
known by Jesus? John 13:3.
NOTE.—Jesus, knowing from whence He
came, the glory He left, and the future glory
that was to be His, still was willing to
serve in the capacity of a servant.
4.
What preparation did Jesus
make for washing the disciples' feet?
John 13:4, 5.
NOTE.—"The disciples made no move
toward serving one another. Jesus waited
for a time to see what they would do. Then
He, the divine Teacher, rose from the table.
Laying aside the outer garment that would
have impeded His movements, He took a
towel, and girded Himself. With surprised
interest the disciples looked on, and in
silence waited to see what was to follow.
`After that He poureth water into a basin,
and began to wash the disciples' feet, and
to wipe them with the towel wherewith He
was girded.' This action opened the eyes
of the disciples. Bitter shame and humilia-
tion filled their hearts. They understood the
unspoken rebuke, and saw themselves in
altogether a new light."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 644.
The Master's Treatment of Judas
5.
Though Jesus knew that Judas
would betray Him, why did He not
expose him at once? John 13:10, 11.
NOTE.—"Jesus alone could read his se-
cret. Yet He did not expose him. Jesus hun-
gered for his soul. He felt for him such a
burden as for Jerusalem when He wept over
the doomed city. His heart was crying, How
can I give thee up? The constraining power
of that love was felt by Judas. When the
Saviour's hands were bathing those soiled
ARE YOU READY TO BE
A SERVANT TO OTHERS?
feet, and wiping them with the towel, the
heart of Judas thrilled through and through
with the impulse then and there to confess
his sin. But he would not humble himself."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 645.
6.
Why did Jesus expose Judas
after He washed his feet? John 13:
18, 19.
NoTE.—"Christ's example forbids ex-
clusiveness at the Lord's Supper. It is true
that open sin excludes the guilty. This the
Holy Spirit plainly teaches. But beyond
this none are to pass judgment. God has not
left it with men to say who shall present
themselves on these occasions. For who can
read the heart? Who can distinguish the
tares from the wheat? 'Let a man examine
himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and
drink of that cup.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 656.
7.
What explanation is given for
Judas's betrayal of Jesus? What did
Jesus say to him? John 13:26, 27.
The Master's Method With Peter
8.
How did Peter feel about hav-
ing Jesus wash his feet? What did
Jesus say? John 13:6-8.
15]
9.
What was Peter's second sugges-
tion? Verse 9.
10.
What meaningful reply did
Jesus make? Verse 10.
The Spiritual Meaning of
Foot Washing
11.
What were some of the reasons
why Jesus enjoined the disciples to
observe the ordinance of foot wash-
ing? John 13:8, 14-16.
NOTE.—"This ordinance is Christ's ap-
pointed preparation for the sacramental
service. While pride, variance, and strife
for supremacy are cherished, the heart can-
not enter into fellowship with Christ. We
are not prepared to receive the communion
of His body and His blood. Therefore it
was that Jesus appointed the memorial of
His humiliation to be first observed."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 650.
12.
What will be the result of in-
telligently following the Lord's ex-
ample? John 13:17.
13.
What new commandment did
Christ give His disciples? John 13:34.
14.
By what were Christ's disciples
to be characterized? John 13:35.
Suggestions for Meditation
1.
Jesus said, "If I wash thee not, thou
hast no part with Me." John 13:8. This will
bear study. We must receive as well as
give. "It is not humiliating to the Master
to allow Him to work for our purification.
The truest humility is to receive with thank-
ful heart any provision made in our behalf,
and with earnestness do service for Christ."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 646.
2.
Do we realize that we, like Peter, need
Christ's cleansing grace? "Like Peter and
his brethren, we too have been washed in
the blood of Christ, yet often through con-
tact with evil the heart's purity is soiled.
We must come to Christ for His cleansing
grace. Peter shrank from bringing his soiled
feet in contact with the hands of his Lord
and Master; but how often we bring our
sinful, polluted heart in contact with the
heart of Christ ! How grievous to Him is
our evil temper, our vanity and pride ! Yet
all our infirmity and defilement we must
bring to Him. He alone can wash us clean.
We are not prepared for communion with
Him unless cleansed by His efficacy."—
Ibid.,
pages 646, 647.
Lesson 5, for October 31, 1953
Relation of Foot Washing to Baptism
MEMORY VERSE:
"Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to
wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all."
John 13:10.
STUDY HELP:
"Testimonies," vol. 6, pp. 91-99.
AIM:
To discover the similarities, the contrasts, and relationships between foot
washing and baptism.
[16]
IIAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
5.
of the lesson, based on outline.
6.
2.
Key Words; Introduction. Questions
1-3.
7.
3.
Questions 4-7.
A. Questions 8, 9; memorize John 13:
10.
Questions 10-13.
Read "Testimonies," vol. 6, pp. 91-
99.
Review entire lesson; think about
Suggestions for Meditation.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Introduction
II.
Baptism
1.
Repentance precedes baptism.
Acts 2:38.
2.
Baptism symbolizes burial with
Christ and resurrection to new
life. Rom. 6:3-5.
3.
Rebaptism to be administered un-
der certain circumstances. Acts 19:
1-5.
111.
Symbolic Cleansings
1.
Water is the symbol of cleansing in
baptism and foot washing. Acts
10:47; John 13:5.
2.
Water symbolizes the cleansing
word of God. Eph. 5:26.
3.
Baptism admits to church fellow-
ship. Acts 2:41, 47.
4.Provision is made for renewed
cleansing. John 13:10.
IV. Conditions of Cleansing
1.
Belief is necessary for cleansing.
Acts 8:36, 37.
2.
Judas failed to receive cleansing.
John 13:10,
11, 21.
3.
Sense of need is a condition of spir-
itual cleansing. Luke 18:13, 14;
Titus 3:5.
4.
Receiving the word prepares one for
baptism and foot washing. Acts
2:41.
V. Past and Future of Ordinances
1.
Ordinances prefigured in Old Tes-
tament. Ex. 30:17-21; 1 Cor. 10:4.
2.
Fellowship to be renewed in the
kingdom. Matt. 26:29; Luke
12:37.
Key Words:
1.
Baptism
is transliterated from the
Greek and means "to immerse, to sub-
merge."
-
2.
Rebaptism
was administered some- '
times when persons received a new truth.
See Acts 19:1-5.
The backslider who has turned his face
from God and wishes to come back should
be rebaptized; but when one has made
merely a mistake or his feet have become
dusty in the path of life, he need not neces-
sarily be rebaptized, for foot washing is
then sufficient.
3.
Believe
means to have faith or con-
fidence in a thing or hold a given tenet as
true. Belief is in the heart. See Romans 10:
9, 10. "Believe" includes surrender and com-
mitment as well as confidence and intellec-
tual assent.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Both baptism and foot washing are sym-
bolic of spiritual cleansing. If one is cleansed,
he gladly participates in these symbolically
cleansing ceremonies, but he may partici-
pate without being cleansed. There is a
depth of meaning in baptism and in foot
washing, and a relationship between the
two ceremonies that could be studied with
profit. Baptism occurs once, early in the
believer's Christian life, while foot wash-
ing is a recurring experience of the baptized
Christian. The recurring experience of foot
washing should bring an ever-deepening
spiritual significance to the Christian be-
liever.
[
17]
Baptism
1.
What should precede baptism?
Why does one receive baptism and
what should follow it? Acts 2:38.
2.
Into what are believers bap-
tized, and how is baptism adminis-
tered? Rom. 6:3-5. Compare Acts
8:38.
3.
Under what circumstance did
the apostle Paul rebaptize certain
Ephesians? Acts 19:1-5.
NOTE.—"When they received baptism at
the hand of John, they did not fully com-
prehend the mission of Jesus as the Sin
Bearer. They were holding serious errors.
But with clearer light, they gladly accepted
Christ as their Redeemer, and with this
step of advance came a change in their ob-
ligations. As they received a purer faith,
there was
a
corresponding change in their
life. In token of this change, and as an ac-
knowledgment of their faith in Christ,
they were rebaptized in the name of Jesus."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 285.
Symbolic Cleansings
4.
What is used as the symbolic
cleansing agent in both baptism and
foot washing? Acts 10:47; John 13:5.
5.
Of what sanctifying power are
baptism and the washing of feet
symbolic? Eph. 5:25, 26; John 17:17.
6.
When cleansed by baptism, to
what are the candidates added? Acts
2:41, 47.
7.
When one is cleansed, what
TWO SYMBOLS OF THE WATER OF
LIFE THAT CLEANSES FROM SIN.
only is still in need of washing?
John 13:10.
Nors.—It is profitable to compare bap-
tism and foot washing. Both use water. The
participation is voluntary in both. Belief is
a prerequisite in either case, and both are
administered by human hands.
Some differences are: Baptism is near the
beginning
of the new life, while foot wash-
ing is a recurring experience
in
the new life.
Baptism is meant to be efficacious by one
celebration, while foot washing is con-
nected with a blessing in its oft-repeated
experience. Baptism is administered by or-
dained hands only, while foot washing is
administered by anyone who feels it a priv-
ilege to serve his fellows. Baptism prepares
one to enter the church ; but foot washing
prepares the members, by recleansing, to
partake of the Lord's Supper.
The Conditions of Cleansing
8.
What requirement did Philip
set before the eunuch as necessary for
baptism? Acts 8:36, 37.
9.
Who among the disciples failed
to receive the spiritual cleansing, and
why? John 13:10, 11, 21, 27.
[ 18 ]
NOTE.—"Judas was now offended at
Christ's act in washing the feet of His dis-
ciples. If Jesus could so humble Himself, he
thought, He could not be Israel's king. All
hope of worldly honor in a temporal king-
dom was destroyed. Judas was satisfied that
there was nothing to be gained by following
Christ. After seeing Him degrade Himself,
as he thought, he was confirmed in his pur-
pose to disown Him, and confess himself de-
ceived. He was possessed by a demon, and
he resolved to complete the work he had
agreed to do in betraying his Lord."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 645.
10.
What attitude enables one to
receive spiritual cleansing? Luke 18:
13, 14; Titus 3:5.
NOTE.—"It is thus that every sinner may
come to Christ. 'Not by works of righteous-
ness which we have done, but according to
His mercy He saved us.' Titus 3:5. When
Satan tells you that you are a sinner, and
cannot hope to receive blessing from God,
tell him that Christ came into the world to
save sinners. We have nothing to recom-
mend us to God; but the plea that we may
urge now and ever is our utterly helpless
condition that makes His redeeming power
a necessity. Renouncing all self-dependence,
we may look to the cross of Calvary and
say,—
'In my hand no price I bring;
Simply to Thy cross I cling.'"
—The Desire of Ages,
page 317.
11.
When men received the word,
what followed? Acts 2:41.
Past and Future of the Ordinances
12.
In what way were the ordi-
nances of baptism and foot washing
prefigured in the Old Testament?
1 Cor. 10:1-4; Ex. 30:17-21.
13.
How will the fellowship of the
ordinances be renewed in the king-
dom? Matt. 26:29; Luke 12: 3 7.
NOTE.—"Soon we heard His [Jesus']
lovely voice again, saying, 'Come, My peo-
ple, you have come out of great tribulation,
and done My will; suffered for Me; come in
to supper, for I will gird Myself, and serve
you.' We shouted, 'Alleluia! glory and en-
tered into the city. And I saw a
(
table of
pure silver; it, was many miles in length,
yet our eyes could extend over it. I saw the
fruit of the tree of life, the manna, almonds,
figs, pomegranates, grapes, and many other
kinds of fruit."—Early
Writings,
page 19.
Suggestions for Meditation
"The Lord is present on every occasion
when this humble ceremony is performed.
He is the Unseen Witness. He reads every
heart, with its concealed purposes, its wrong-
doings, its sin. You can neglect, you can
leave, these seasons of divine appointments;
and of you Christ's words may be appropri-
ately spoken, 'Ye are not all clean.'
"Is any sin cherished? Let it be cut away
from the soul by confession. The first look,
the first act, of contrition and repentance
that you direct toward Christ, does not es-
cape His notice. The first step you take
toward Him will bring Him more than a
step toward you. All things, especially on
this occasion, are ready for your reception.
He will meet you in your weakness, repent-
ing, brokenhearted soul, with His divine
strength ; He will meet your emptiness and
spiritual poverty with His inexhaustible
fullness."—Ellen G. White, in
Review and
Herald,
June 14, 1898.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
AUSTRALASIAN DIVISION
DECEMBER 26, 1953
[19
7
Lesson 6, for November 7, 1953
Symbolic Bread
MEMORY VERSE:
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the Bread of Life: he that
cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never
thirst." John 6:35.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 660, 661.
AIM:
To define spiritual bread
;
to identify the living Bread, and to learn that by
dealing bread to the hungry, or casting it upon the water, it will return
and we thereby may avoid a personal famine.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
5. Questions 9-12.
of the lesson, based .on outline.
6. Questions 13, 14; read "The Desire
2.
Key Words; Introduction. Questions
of Ages," pages 660, 661.
1, 2.
7. Review the entire lesson; think about
3.
Questions 3, 4; memorize John 6:35.
Suggestions for Meditation.
4.
Questions 5-8.
Lesson Outline:
I. Introduction
II. The Broken Bread
1.
The bread blessed and broken by
Jesus. Matt. 26:26.
2.
Jesus' body symbolized by broken
bread. 1 Cor. 11:24.
3.
Contrition of spirit acceptable in
God's sight. Ps. 34:18.
III. Temporal
and
Spiritual Bread
1.
The source and regularity of daily
bread. Matt. 6:11; Ps. 37:25.
2.
Man's requirement for more than
temporal bread. Deut. 8:3.
IV. The Necessity of Food for Body and
Soul
1.
God's unfailing provision. Matt. 5:6.
2.
Man's duty to share temporal and
spiritual food. Isa. 58:7.
3.
Christ's feeding of the multitude.
John 6:5-11.
4.
Christ's commission to Peter. John
21:15-17.
V. The Living Bread
1.
Jesus, the Bread of Life. John 6:51.
2.
The flesh and the spirit contrasted.
John 6:63.
3.
The proper use of the word of God.
2 Tim. 2:15; 4:2.
4.
A famine for the word prophesied.
Amos 8:11.
5.
Assurance to the righteous. Isa.
33:15-17.
Key Words:
1.
Bread
is an Anglo-Saxon word and
literally means "a fragment." The bread
must be broken before we can appropriate
it, for we can eat but a fragment at a time.
Likewise, the living Bread had to be broken
before it could be appropriated.
2.
Contrite
comes from two Latin
words,
con
(together) and
terere
(to rub or
grind).
Contrite
means "broken down with
grief and penitence." Christ is broken for
my sin; and I am broken over His love for
me and over my sin. We are broken to-
gether. If we suffer together we shall reign
together-reign together now in service
(feeding the hungry) and reign together
then in glory.
3.
Famine
means "a general scarcity of
food." Those who do not store spiritual
food in the mind will soon be destitute of
spiritual strength.
[ 20 ]
THE LESSON
Introduction
Bread is generally considered to be the
staff of life. Using this idea, Christ referred
to Himself as the Bread of Life, and as He
broke the bread and gave it to His disciples
He plainly told them that the bread sym-
bolized His body which was broken for
them.
The Broken Bread
1. What two things did Jesus do
before giving the bread to His dis-
ciples? What was done to Christ's
body? Matt. 26:26; 1 Cor. 11:24.
NoTE.—The kernel must be crushed be-
fore it can be made into bread, and the loaf
must be broken before it can be distributed.
Jesus broke the bread before He gave it
to His disciples. See Luke 22:19; Mark
14:22.
ion service in the upper chamber makes
sacred the provisions for our daily life. The
family board becomes as the table of the
Lord, and every meal a sacrament."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 660.
4.
Through the gift of the manna,
what vital lesson was taught to an-
cient Israel? Deut. 8:3. Compare
Matt. 4:4.
Receiving and Giving Bread
5.
What is promised to those who
hunger for spiritual food? Matt. 5:6.
6.
What is the• Christian's duty to
the poor and the needy? What will be
the result of such liberality? Isa. 58:
7; Eccl. 11:1.
2. What kind of sacrifice does
7. When Christ fed the five thou-
God desire? Ps. 34:18; 51:16, 17.
sand, what three things did He do?
John 6:5-11.
NOTE.—"Just as the bread is made up of
many particles, gathered together in one
loaf, so those who partake of the bread
that is broken are gathered together in one
body."—James Hastings,
A Dictionary of
the Bible,
vol. 3, "Lord's Supper," section 5.
Bread, Temporal and Spiritual
3. For what did Jesus teach His
disciples to ask? What is the experi-
ence of those who serve Him? Matt.
6:11; Ps. 37:25.
NOTE.—"The cross of Calvary is stamped
on
every
loaf. It is reflected in every water
spring. All this Christ has taught in ap-
pointing the emblems of His great sacri-
fice. The light shining from that Commun-
8.
What command given by Jesus
to Peter is applicable to all who are
converted and have received the liv-
ing Bread? John 21:15-17.
The Living Bread
9.
Who is the living Bread, and
how do we receive Him? When we
receive the Bread of heaven, what
obligation do we have? John 6:48,
51, 53-56; Matt. 10:8, last phrase.
10.
What contrast did Jesus make
between the importance of the flesh
and the spirit? John 6:63.
[ 21 ]
AIM%
ZIMMA
AFERAVA
NOTE.—"The flesh [of the Passover lamb]
was to be eaten. It is not enough even that
we believe on Christ for the forgiveness of
sin ; we must by faith be constantly receiving
spiritual strength and nourishment from
Him through His word. Said Christ, 'Except
ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and
drink His blood, ye have no life in you.
Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My
blood, hath eternal life.' And to explain His
meaning He said, 'The words that I speak
unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.' "
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 277.
"The words of men express their own
human thoughts; but those of Christ are
spirit and
life."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 433.
"Christ does not deny or retract the
statement, 'Except ye eat the flesh,' etc. He
simply shows in what sense He meant the
whole mutual indwelling of Himself and
His people to be understood.
The Spirit is
the Quickener. The Spirit is the life-fash-
ioning, life-preserving energy. The flesh,
the human manifestalion, apart from the
Spirit which makes that human life the
center of divine effluence, the focus for its
divine energy, profiteth nothing."—The
Pul-
pit Commentary,
on John 6:63.
11.
What are we to do with the
word? 2 Tim. 2:15, first part; 4:2,
first part.
12.
How is the word to be used in
studying and preaching? 2 Tim. 2:
15, last part; 4:2, last part.
NOTE.—The expressions "in season, out
of season," and "rightly dividing the word,"
indicate that one should take into consid-
eration the time, place, circumstance, and
the people to whom the word is being pre-
sented. Some scriptures are not applicable
to all times. For example, in Matthew 24
there are some prophecies that apply to the
time of the early church, and others reach
to the time of the second advent.
13.
What kind of famine was fore-
told by the prophet Amos? Amos
8:11.
WE
CAN
STARVE SPIRITUALLY WHILE
THE BREAD OF LIFE IS ALL ABOUT US.
WE MUST EAT TO LIVE AND GROW.
NOTE.—"The plan of salvation had been
accomplished, but few had chosen to accept
it. And as mercy's sweet voice died away,
fear and horror seized the wicked. With ter-
rible distinctness they heard the words,
`Too late ! too late !'
"Those who had not prized God's word
were hurrying to and fro, wandering from
sea to sea, and from the north to the east,
to seek the word of the Lord. Said the angel,
`They shall not find it. There is a famine
in the land; not a famine of bread, nor a
thirst for water, but for hearing the words
of the Lord. What would they not give for
one word of approval from God! but no,
they must hunger and thirst
on."—Early
Writings,
page 281.
14.
Of what are the righteous as-
sured, particularly in the time of
trouble? Isa. 33:15-17.
Suggestions for Meditation
1.
Much thought could be given to the
fact that bread makes blood, and blood is
life to muscle and brain; the word is spirit,
and the spirit is life to heart and soul. If the
body needs food every day, how much
more does the soul need its daily food!
2.
One of the real tests as to whether or
not an individual is feeding on the word
may be stated thus: Is he dealing bread to
the hungry (both physical and spiritual
bread) by his personal efforts and by his
gifts?
[ 22 ]
Lesson 7, for November 14, 1953
The Body of Jesus
MEMORY VERSE:
"For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are
all partakers of that one bread." 1 Cor. 10:17.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 19-26, 31-38.
AIM:
To understand more fully what the apostle Paul means by the expression
"Discerning the Lord's body."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: survey the en-
tire lesson.
2.
Key Words; Introduction. Questions
1-3.
3.
Questions 4-7.
4.
Questions 8-10; memorize
1
Cor.
10:17.
5.
Questions 11-13.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 19-
26, 31-38.
7.
Review entire lesson; think about
the Suggestions for Meditation.
Lesson Outline:
I. Introduction
II. -The Incarnation
1.
Christ's miraculous birth. Heb. 10:
5; Gal. 4:4.
2.
Partaking of human nature. Rom.
1:3; Heb. 2:14-17.
3.
Obedience unto death. Phil. 2:6-8.
III. Symbols of the Body of Christ
1.
The broken bread. Matt. 26:26; 1
Cor. 11:24.
2.
The temple and the veil. John 2:
19-21; Matt. 27:51; Heb. 10:20.
3.
A grain of wheat. John 12:23, 24; 1
Cor. 15:36.
IV. The Purpose of the Incarnation Re-
vealed
1.
The symbols of service. John 13:
4, 5.
2.
Immanuel, God's revelation to
man. Matt. 1:23.
3.
The supreme objective. Matt. 1:21;
John 1:29.
V. God's All-Inclusive Gift
1.
The gift of love. John 3:16,
17.
2.
All things through Christ. Rom.
8:32. Compare John 10:10.
3.
The ultimate joy from acceptance
of the gift. John 14:1-3; Rev.
21:1-4.
Key Words:
1.
Discern
means "to distinguish be-
tween." The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians
11:29, tells of one drinking "damnation to
himself, not discerning the Lord's body."
Discerning should be a continuous process.
However much one may know about the
body of Jesus and His incarnation, if he
ceases to learn more about it, he "drinketh
damnation to himself" when he partakes
of the bread and wine. However little one
may know, if he is in the process of dis-
cerning the body of the Lord, he partakes
of the bread and wine without damnation.
2.
Incarnate
means "into flesh." Christ
became incarnate by taking flesh.
3.
Give
means "to bestow without
thought of return." When God gave His
Son (John 3:16) it was not just for thirty-
three and one-half years, but for eternity.
Compare Ps. 110:4.
"Christ has carried His humanity into
eternity."-Ellen G. White, in
The Youth's
Instructor,
Oct. 28, 1897.
[23
1
THE LESSON
Introduction
Symbols of the Body of Christ
The discernment of the body of Jesus in-
cludes an understanding of salvation and
a uniting with God. We can only come to
God through Christ, and we become ac-
quainted with Christ by absorbing His
word.
"He who opens the Scriptures, and feeds
upon the heavenly manna, becomes a par-
taker of the divine nature."—Ellen G.
White,
Review and Herald,
June 28, 1892.
The Incarnation
1.
By what miracle did Jesus ob-
tain His earthly body? Heb. 10:5;
Gal. 4:4. Compare Isa. 7:14; Luke
1:30-35.
2.
Of whose nature, therefore, did
Jesus partake? Rom. 1:3; Heb. 2:
14-17.
NOTE.—While Jesus, incarnate, was still
God, yet in His earthly life He lived and
worked as a human being with a human
body.
"The humanity of the Son of God is
everything to us. It is the golden chain that
binds our souls to Christ, and through Christ
to God. This is to be our study. Christ was
a real man; He gave proof of His humility
in becoming a man. Yet He was God in
the flesh. When we approach this subject,
we would do well to heed the words spoken
by Christ to Moses at the burning bush,
Tut off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the
place whereon thou standest is holy ground.'
We should come to this study with the
humility of a learner, with a contrite. heart.
And the study of the incarnation of Christ
is a fruitful field, which will repay the
searcher who digs deep for hidden truth."
—Ellen G. White, in
The Youth's Instructor,
Oct. 13, 1898.
3.
As a man, how fully did Christ
submit Himself to God? Phil. 2:6-8.
4.
What did Jesus take as a repre-
sentation of His body? Matt. 26:26;
1 Cor. 11:24.
5.
In what words did Jesus refer
to His body as a temple? John 2:
19-21.
NOTE.—"Early in His ministry Christ
had said, `Destroy this temple, and in three
da'ys I will raise it up.' In the figurative
language of prophecy, He had thus fore-
told His own death and resurrection."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 705.
6.
What other figure in connec-
tion with the temple did Jesus use
in referring to Himself? Matt. 27:51;
Heb. 10:20.
7.
What lesson concerning His
body did Jesus teach from a grain of
wheat? How did the apostle Paul
emphasize this truth? John 12:23, 24;
1 Cor. 15:36.
NoTE.---The body was broken for our sal-
vation; the veil was rent that we might
have a living way to the Father; the kernel
of wheat falls into the earth, dies, and
springs up to bear an abundant harvest.
"By the casting of the grain into the soil,
Christ represents the sacrifice of Himself
'for our redemption. . . .
"And all who would bring forth fruit as
workers together with Christ, must first
fall into the ground and die. The life must
be cast into the furrow of the world's need.
Self-love, self-interest, must perish. But the
law of self-sacrifice is the law
-
of self-pres-
ervation. The seed buried in the ground
produces fruit, and in turn this is planted.
Thus the harvest is multiplied. The hus-
bandman preserves his grain by casting it
[24
]
away. So in human life, to give is to live.
The life that will be preserved is the life
that is freely given in service to God and
man. Those who for Christ's sake sacri-
fice their life in this world, will keep it
unto life eternal."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 86, 87.
The Purpose of the Incarnation
Revealed
8.
What symbols of Christ's con-
descension are set forth in the upper-
room experience? John 13:4, 5.
9.
What significant title is be-
stowed upon Christ? Matt. 1:23.
NOTE.—"
'His name shall be called Im-
manuel, • . . God with us.' The light of the
knowledge of the glory of God' is seen 'in
the face of Jesus Christ.' From the days of
eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with
the Father; He was 'the image of God,' the
image of His greatness and majesty, 'the
outshining of His glory.' It was to manifest
this glory that He came to our world. To
this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal
the light of God's love,—to be 'God with
us.' Therefore it was prophesied of Him,
`His name shall be called Immanuel.'
"—
The Desire of Ages,
page 19.
10.
In what precious words is the
supreme objective of the incarna-
tion revealed? Matt. 1:21. Compare
John 1:29.
NOTE.-"
'Behold the Lamb of God, which
taketh away the sin of the world.' John
1:29. The light shining from the cross re-
veals the love of God. His love is drawing
us to Himself. If we do not resist this draw-
ing, we shall be led to the foot of the cross
in repentance for the sins that have cru-
cified the Saviour. Then the Spirit of God
through faith produces a new life in the
soul. The thoughts and desires are brought
into obedience to the will of Christ. The
heart, the mind, are created anew in the.
LIGHT SHINING FROM THE CROSS
REVEALS THE LOVE OF GOD.
DO WE REFLECT THAT LIGHT?
image of Him who works in us to subdue
all things to Himself."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 175, 176.
God's All-Inclusive Gift
11.
What did God's love for a lost
world compel Him to do? John 3:
16, 17.
NoTE.—"
'God so loved the world, that
he gave His only-begotten Son.' John
3:16.
He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and
to die as our sacrifice; He gave Him to the
fallen race. To assure us of His immutable
counsel of peace, God gave His only-begot-
ten Son to become one of the human family,
forever to retain His human nature. This
is the pledge that God will fulfill His word.
`Unto
us
a Child is born, unto
us
a Son is
given: and the government shall be upon
His shoulder.' God has adopted human na-
ture in the person of His Son, and has car-
ried the same into the highest heaven. It is
the 'Son of man' who shares the throne of
the universe. It is the 'Son of man' whose
name shall be called, 'Wonderful, Counselor,
The, mighty God, The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.' Isa. 9:6. The I AM
is the Daysman between God and humanity,
laying His hand upon both. He who is
`holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from
sinners,' is not ashamed to call us brethren.
Heb. 7:26; 2:11. In Christ the family of
[
25]
earth and the family of heaven are bound
together. Christ glorified is our brother.
Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and hu-
manity is enfolded in the bosom of In-
finite Love."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
25, 26.
12.
How much is included in the
gift of Christ? Rom. 8:32. Compare
John 10:10.
13.
What ultimate joy does this
gift embrace? John 14:1-3; Rev. 21:
1-4.
NorE.—"In the earth made new, the re-
deemed will engage in the occupations and
pleasures that brought happiness to Adam
and Eve in the beginning. The Eden life
will be lived, the life in garden and field....
"There every power will be developed,
every capability increased. The grandest
enterprises will be carried forward, the
loftiest aspirations will be reached, the high-
est ambitions realized. And still there will
appear new heights to surmount, new won-
ders to admire, new truths to comprehend,
fresh objects of study to call forth the
powers of body and mind and soul."—
Prophets and Kings,
pages 730, 731.
Suggestions for Meditation
With this lesson in mind, we ought to be
able to look upon the Lord's Supper with
more understanding. A discernment of His
body is more than the ability to name the
symbols used in the Lord's Supper and tell
what they stand for. Discerning His body
will cause us to become more willing to
give our time, efforts, money, and ourselves
without reserve.
"The matchless love of God for a world
that did not love Him! The thought has a
subduing power upon the soul, and brings
the mind into captivity to the will of God.
The more we study the divine character in
the light of the cross, the more we see mercy,
tenderness, and forgiveness blended with
equity and justice, and the more clearly we
discern innumerable evidences of a love
that is infinite, and a tender pity surpassing
a mother's yearning sympathy for her way-
ward child."—Steps
to Christ,
page 18.
Lesson 8, for November 21, 1953
The Symbolic Cup
MEMORY VERSE:
"After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had
supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as
oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me." 1 Cor. 11:25.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 144-153, 688-693.
AIM:
To understand the fact that Jesus is our cupbearer.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Words; Introduction. Questions
1-4.
3.
Questions 5-8.
4.
Questions 9-11.
5.
Questions 12, 13; memorize 1 Cor.
11:25.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 144-
153; 688-693.
7.
Review entire lesson; think about
Suggestions for Meditation.
[ 26 ]
Lesson Outline:
I. Introduction
II. Christ's Reference to the Cup and
Contents
1.
At the marriage of Cana. John 2:
5-11.
2.
Conversation with James and John.
Mark 10:38.
3.
In the upper chamber. Matt. 26:
27, 28.
4.
In Gethsemane. Matt. 26:39, 42,
44.
III. Other References to the Cup
1.
Tasted of death for every man.
Heb. 2:9.
2.
David's reference. Ps. 23:5.
3.
Symbol of purity. Matt. 23:25, 26.
4.
The wine of the wrath of God.
Rev. 14:10.
IV. Significance of the Cup to Us
1.
All His followers to partake. Matt.
26:27.
2.
We partake through sharing His
sufferings. Mark 10:39; 13:9, 12,
13; 2 Tim. 3:12.
3.
The cup of salvation to be shared
with others. Ps. 116:13; Rom.
1:14-16.
4.
Pledge of future sharing of cup.
Mark 14:25.
Key Words:
1.
The Wine.
"The wine which Christ
provided for . . . the disciples as a syrfibol
of His own blood, was the pure juice of the
grape. To this the prophet Isaiah refers
when he speaks of the new wine 'in the clus-
ter,' and says, 'Destroy it not; for a
blessing is in
it.'"-The
,
Desire of Ages,
page 149.
2.
Tasted Death.
"Christ felt the an-
guish which the sinner will feel when mercy
shall no longer plead for the guilty race.
It was the sense of sin, bringing the Father's
wrath upon Him as man's substitute, that
made the cup He drank so bitter, and broke
the heart of .the Son of God."-The
Desire
of Ages,
page 753.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The cup may symbolize Christ's work
for our salvation (Ps. 116:13;
The Desire
of Ages,
page 149) ; it may represent His
partaking of the wrath of God for our re-
demption
(The Desire of Ages,
page 7,53) ;
it may represent His life given for us (Matt.
23:25) ; it may represent our lives and
their state of cleanliness (Eccl. 12:6, Matt.
23:25);
it is a memorial of Christ's death
till He comes (1 Cor. 11:26) ; in the future
kingdom, Christ and His people will par-
take anew of the vine but not the cup
(Matt. 26:29).
Christ's References to the Cup
and Its Contents
1. What is one interpretation we
may make of Christ's miracle at the
first feast He attended? John 2:5-11.
NOTE.
-"At
the first feast He attended
with His disciples, Jesus gave them the cup
that symbolized His work for their salva-
tion."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 149.
2.
What interpretation of the cup
is implied in Christ's conversation
with James and John? Mark 10:
38, 39.
NoTE.-" 'Ye shall drink indeed of My
cup, and be baptized with the baptism that
I am baptized with,' He said; before Him
a cross instead of a throne, two malefactors
His companions at His right hand and His
left. John and James were to share with
their Master in suffering; the one, first of
the brethren to perish with the sword; the
other, longest of all to endure toil, and re-
proach, and persecution."-The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 548, 549.
3.
In the upper chamber what ex-
planation of the cup did Jesus make?
Matt.
26:27, 28.
[ 27 ]
ocritical Pharisees, do things to make you
appear devotional and righteous in the eyes
of others. Break your heart before God, and
know that it is impossible for you to de-
ceive the holy
angels."—Testimonies, vol. 2,
p. 87.
8. If men choose not to drink from
the cup of salvation, from what other
(cup will they drink? Rev. 14:10.
4.
In Gethsemane what request
of His Father did Jesus make three
times? Matt. 26:39, 42, 44.
NOTE.—"Three times has He uttered that
prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk
from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now
the history of the human race comes up be-
fore the world's Redeemer. He sees that the
transgressors of the law, if left to them-
selves, must perish. He sees the helplessness
of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes
and lamentations of a doomed world rise
before Him. He beholds its impending fate,
and His decision is made. He will save man
at any cost to Himself. He accepts His bap-
tism of blood, that through Him perishing
millions may gain everlasting life."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 690-693.
Other Scriptural References
to the Cup
5.
For how many did Jesus taste
death? Heb. 2:9.
6.
Of what cup does David speak
in the Shepherd Psalm? Ps. 23:5.
NOTE.—"The cup most difficult to carry
is not the cup that is empty, but the cup
that is full to the brim. It is this that needs
to be most carefully balanced. Affliction and
adversity bring disappointment and sor-
row; but it is prosperity that is most dan-
gerous to spiritual
life."—The Ministry of
Healing,
page 212.
7.
What spiritual lesson should we
draw from Christ's rebuke to the
Pharisees? Matt. 23:25, 26.
NOTE.—"You have tried hard to improve
outwardly; but the work has been too much
on the surface, an outside work and not a
work of the heart. Set your heart in order,
humble yourself before God, and implore
His grace to help you. Do not, like the hyp-
28
NOTE.—"The end of all things is at hand.
God will not much longer bear with the
crimes and debasing iniquity of the children
of men. Their crimes have indeed reached
unto the heavens and will soon be answered
by the fearful plagues of God upon the
earth. They will drink .the cup of God's
wrath unmixed with
mercy."—Testimonies,
vol. 3,
p. 473.
Significance of the Cup to Us
9. How many of Christ's followers
are expected to partake of the cup He
has given? Matt. 26:27.
10. Through what experience are
Christ's followers to drink His cup?
Mark 10:39; 13:9, 12, 13.
11.
How did Paul emphasize the
fact that Christians will be called
upon to drink the cup of Christ's
suffering? 2 Tim. 3:12.
NoTE.—"The same enmity is manifested
toward Christ's followers as was manifested
toward their Master. Whoever sees the re-
pulsive character of sin, and in strength
from above resists temptation, will assur-
edly arouse the wrath of Satan and his sub-
jects. Hatred of the pure principles of
truth, and reproach and persecution of its
advocates, will exist as long as sin and sin-
ners remain. The followers of Christ and
the servants of Satan cannot harmonize.
The offense of the cross has not ceased. 'All
that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall
suffer persecution.'
"—The Great Contro7
versy,
page 507.
12.
What obligation comes upon
us as we partake of the cup of sal-
vation? Ps. 116:13; Rom. 1:14-16.
NoTE.—"Every true disciple is born into
the kingdom of God as a missionary. He
who drinks of the living water becomes a
fountain of life. The receiver becomes a
giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like
a spring in the desert, Welling up to refresh
all, and making those who are ready to
perish eager to drink of the water of life."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 195.
13.
Having partaken of the cup
here, what future privilege awaits
the followers of Christ? Mark 4:25.
Suggestions for Meditation
"Jesus suffered the full penalty of sin.
On Calvary's cross the weight of the sins
of the world rested upon His soul. He re-
ceived in His bosom the arrow of lost• hu-
manity. Have you followed Him in the
Garden of Gethsemane? Have you seen the
bloody sweat bedew the ground? Have you
heard the anguished prayer He offered to
heaven, '0 My Father, if it be possible, let
this cup pass from Me: nevertheless, not as
I will, but as Thou wilt'? Three times was
this petition offered to heaven, but the cup
was, not removed. The destiny of a lost
world trembled in the balance, but Jesus
decided to drink the bitter cup to the very
dregs."—Ellen G. White, in
Review and
Herald,
July 12, 1892.
Lesson 9, for November 28, 1953
"My Flesh Is Meat"
MEMORY VERSE:
"It
is the
spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the
words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63.
STUDY HELPS:
"Education," pages 123-127; "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 599.
AIM:
To more fully understand the meaning of Jesus' words, "My flesh is meat."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Words; Introduction. Questions
1-3.
3.
Questions 4, 5; memorize John 6:63.
4.
Questions 6-8.
5.
Questions 9-11.
6.
Questions 12, 13; read "Education,"
PP. 123-127; "Patriarchs and
Prophets," p. 599.
7.
Review entire lesson; think about
Suggestions for Meditation.
[29
II
Lesson Outline:
I.
Introduction
II. Spiritual Food
1.
Christ's flesh is the symbol of man's
necessary spiritual food. John
6:53-56.
2.
Christ's words are quickening food.
John 6:63.
3.
God's will was food to Jesus. John
4: 32-34.
4.
Jesus is the Bread of Life. John
6:48.
III. Partaking of Spiritual Food
1.
Significance of partaking of the
Communion. 1 Cor. 10:16, 17.
2.
David's and Jeremiah's estimates
of the word. Ps. 119:103 ; - Jer.
15:16.
3. Spiritual regeneration. John 3:5-7.
IV. The Objective of Partaking of the
Lord's Supper
1. To remind us of the death of Christ.
1 Cor. 11:26.
2.
To remind us that Christ died for
our sins. 1 Cor. 15:3.
3.
To help us to follow Jesus' example
in dying to sin. ROm. 6:10; 1 Peter
2:21.
4.
To make us worthy of our Lord.
1. Cor. 11:27-29.
Key Words:
1.
Communion
has the same meaning
as the word
common-"to
have in com-
mon," or "the act of sharing." The Greek
word used in the New Testament which is
translated "fellowship" has the same mean-
ing-"sharing in common." The communion
of His body and blood .means sharing the
emblems with discernment and fellowship.
2.
The Word.
Christ is the living Word,
and that Word was made flesh. (John 1:1-3,
14.) The Bible is the written word and is
powerful. (Heb. 4:12.) By the word and
by the Spirit comes the new birth. (1 Peter
1:23; John 3:5.) The written words are
spirit and life. (John 6:63.)
THE LESSON
2.
By what are Christ's body and
blood symbolized? Matt. 26:26, 27.
3.
What final explanation did Je-
sus give regarding His flesh as food?
John 6:63.
NOTE.
-"It is
the Spirit who quickens
the soul to a new, immortal, and heavenly
existence, and that Spirit acts through the
words of sacred truth which I speak to you.
They
are spirit, and they are life.' "-Cun-
ningham Geikie,
The Life and Words of
Christ,
page 718.
4.
What was the meat, or food, of
Jesus? John 4:32-34.
Spiritual Food
NOTE.
-"God
stands toward His people in
the relation of a father, and He has a
[ 30 ]
Introduction
When we begin to discern the body and
blood of Christ, the first part of the service
(the ordinance of humility) will prepare us
for the Lord's table, and partaking of the
bread and wine will result in our spiritual
revival. Then the ordinances will no longer
be a there form to us. We will then be glad
to observe them, and will not pierce the
heart. of Jesus by neglecting them.
"These ordinances are regarded too much
as a form, and not as a sacred thing to call
to mind the Lord Jesus. . . . It is in these,
His own appointments, that He meets with
and energizes His people by His personal
presence."-Ellen G. White, in
Review and
Herald,
June 22, 1897.
"How the heart of Christ is pierced by
the forgetfulness, the unwillingness and
neglect, to do the things that God has en-
joined upon us !"-Ellen G. White, in
Re-
view and Herald,
June 22, 1897.
1. What must men eat and drink
to live? John 6:53-56.
5EVENTH
-
D
AV
ADVENTIST CHURCH
WIDAYS SUNNI
THE ORDNANCE
OF HUMILITY
and
THE
Loran
SUPPER
DO UNWILLINGNESS ,FORGETFULNESS,
OR NEGLECT KEEP US AWAY?
father's claim to our faithful service. Con-
sider the life of Christ. Standing at the head
of humanity, serving His Father, He is an
example of what every son should and may
be. The obedience that Christ rendered God
requires from human beings today."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 282.
5.
What did Jesus declare Himself
to be? John 6:48, 50, 51. Compare
John 1:14.
Partaking of Spiritual Food
6.
What does the partaking of the
Communion signify? 1 Cor. 10:16, 17.
7.
How did David and Jeremiah
express their pleasure in partaking of
the word of God? Ps. 119:103; Jer.
15:16.
Every seed has in itself a germinating prin-
ciple. In it the life of the plant is enfolded.
So there is life in God's word. Christ says,
The words that I speak unto you, they are
spirit, and they are life.' He that heareth
My word, and believeth on Him that sent
Me, hath everlasting life.' In every com-
mand and in every promise of the word of
God is the power, the very life of God, by
which the command may be fulfilled and
the promise realized. He who by faith re-
ceives the word is receiving the very life and
character of
God."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 38.
Reason for Partaking of
Spiritual Food
9.
How do we show forth the
Lord's death? 1 Cor. 11:26.
10.
In showing His death, what
are we to remember that He died
for?
1 Cor. 15:3.
11.
Unto what did Jesus die?
What example did He leave us? Rom.
6:10; 1 Peter 2:21.
NorE.—In dying to sin, Jesus died to self-
seeking, selfishness, and to the unforgiving
spirit, and by His conduct He gave us an
example. He "came not to be ministered
unto, but to minister."
12.
In order not to partake of the
Lord's Supper unworthily, what are
we admonished to do? 1 Cor. 11:
27-29.
8. What spiritual regeneration is
essential? What place does the word
of God have in this experience? John
3:5-7; 1 Peter 1:23.
Nora.—"The word of God is the seed.
[ 31
13. What twofold purpose does
the Lord's Supper serve? 1 Cor. 11:26.
Suggestions for Meditation
1. The fact that we feel unworthy does
not make us eat and drink at the Lord's
table unworthily. The unworthiness con-
sists in the fact that we do not see in the
body and blood of Jesus a way out of sin.
2. If Jesus died for our sins, and has
given us an example that He also died to
sin and selfishness, then we should show
that His death has been effectual for us by
the fact that we also have died to sin and
selfishness.
Lesson 10, for December 5, 1953
Spiritual Food in Christ; Quickening and Cleansing
by the Spirit
MEMORY VERSE:
"Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat
which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto
you: for Him hath God the Father sealed." John 6:27.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 383-390; "Christ's Object Lessons,"
pages 130, 131.
AIM:
To gain a more adequate comprehension of spiritual food as presented in
the word of God; to find in God's word, in Jesus the Son of God, and in the
Holy Spirit, the source of spiritual life.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
5.
of the lesson, based on outline.
6.
2.
Key Words; Introduction. Questions
1-4.
3.
Questions 5-7; memorize John 6:27.
7.
4.
Questions 8-11.
Questions 12-14.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 383-
390; "Christ's Object Lessons," pp.
130, 131.
Review entire lesson; think about
Suggestions for Meditation.
Lesson Outline:
I. Introduction
II. The Bread of Life
1.
We are to labor for spiritual food
from Christ. John 6:11, 26, 27.
2.
We must believe and accept Christ
if we are to do God's work. John
6:28, 29.
3.
God gives the Bread from heaven.
John 6:30-33.
4.
Jesus is the Bread of Life. John
6:35, 48-51.
III. Gift of the Spirit
1.
Jesus' promise of the Spirit. John
14:26; Acts 2:16-18.
2.
Work of the Spirit. John 16: 7-11 ;
Acts 2:37.
3.
Walking in the Spirit. Rom. 8:
1-14.
IV. Quickening by the Spirit
1.
Life-giving power of the Spirit.
2 Cor. 3:6; 1 Peter 3:18.
2.
Christ's words are spirit and life.
John 6:63.
3.
Heeding the admonition of the
Spirit. Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29.
V. Cleansing Through the Spirit
1.
A fountain open for sin. Zech. 13:1;
Ps. 51:1-7.
2.
Cleansing from sin. 1 John 1:7-9;
1 Cor. 12:13; Matt. 28:19.
3.
Sealed by the Spirit. Rom. 5:5; Eph.
1:13; 4:30.
[ 32 ]
Key Words:
1. Quickening.
The word "quicken-
ing" means "giving life." It is used here
with reference to the life-giving power of
the Spirit.
2.
"Love."
The word "loved" in John
3:16 is translated from a Greek word
which means "to love by a deliberate act
of the will." "God so loved the world," by
a deliberate act of the will, "that He gave.
. . . " This same word is used in Romans
5:5 when it speaks of the Holy Ghost
shedding love abroad in the heart. The Holy
Ghost thus makes it possible for us to love
men and women who are unlovable, and
love them as God did the world, by a de-
liberate act of the will. This takes a trans-
formation or renewing of the mind.
THE LESSON
Introduction
To have life, all must eat the flesh of
Jesus—the personified Word, though the
flesh without the Spirit is unprofitable.
John 6:63. Understanding • of the word
makes us discern the Lord's body—His in-
carnation. His words are spirit and life. The
Spirit through the word gives life and heal-
ing. Rom. 8:11; Ps. 107:20. The Spirit by
the blood (His life) writes the law in our
hearts, and the law hangs on love, for love
is the fulfilling of the law. By loving one
another we show ourselves to be Christ's
disciples. We manifest that love by being
rid of selfishness and anxiety for the su-
premacy.
The Bread of Life
1.
After feeding the five thousand,
what lesson did Jesus give His dis-
ciples? John 6:11, 26, 27.
2.
What question did the Jews ask,
and what answer did Jesus give?
John 6:28, 29.
NOTE.—"It will avail nothing for us to do
penance, or to flatter ourselves that by our
own works we shall merit or purchase an in-
heritance among the saints. When the ques-
tion was asked Christ, 'What shall we do
that we might work the works of God?' He
answered, 'This is the work of God, that ye
believe on Him whom He bath sent.' Re-
pentance is turning from self to Christ; and
when we receive Christ, so that, through
faith, He can live His life in us, good works
will be
manifest."—Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing,
page 131.
3.
When the Jews asked Jesus for
a sign, what did He say? John 6:
30-33.
4.
What did Jesus plainly declare
Himself to be, and what did He say
of His flesh? John 6:35, 48-58.
NoTE.—David Smith, speaking of this
passage ("Whoso eateth My flesh . . . hath
eternal life," John 6:54), says: "Such lan-
guage would sound less strange in Jewish
than in modern ears, since, alike in the
Scriptures and in the rabbinical literature,
sacred instruction is called
bread
and those
who eagerly absorb it are said to
eat
it. 'Thy
words,' says the prophet Jeremiah, 'were
found, and I did eat them.' And it is writ-
ten in the Talmud: "Feed him with bread,"
that is, Make him labor in the warfare of
the law, as it is said: "Come eat of my
bread." ' Yet stronger and closely similar
to language of our Lord is the Talmudic
figure of 'eating the Messiah,' which meant
receiving Him joyfully and . . . devouring
His instruction."—The
Days of His Flesh,
pages 241, 242.
The Gift of the Spirit
5.
Whom did Jesus promise that
the Father would send to the disciples
in His stead? How was the promise
[ 33
fulfilled? John 14:16, 17, 26; Acts
2:1-4, 16-18.
NoTE.—As the disciples would take their
eyes off the physical presence of Jesus in
His human flesh (for "the flesh profiteth
little") and would feel their need for His
spiritual presence (2 Cor. 6:16) in their
own flesh, the Spirit would come. Christ
would be closer to them in the Spirit than
ever He had been in the flesh.
"Henceforth through the Spirit, Christ
was to abide continually in the hearts of His
children. Their union with Him was closer
than when He was personally with them."
—Steps to Christ,
page 80.
6.
What is the work of the Holy
Spirit? John 16:7-11. Compare Acts
2:37.
7.
What does Paul say of our walk
with the Spirit? Rom. 8:1-14.
Quickening by the Spirit
8.
What does Paul say gives life;
and what, according to Peter, quick-
ened Jesus from the dead? 2 Cor. 3:6;
1 Peter 3:18.
9.
What did Jesus say was spirit
and life? John 6:63.
NoTE.—Jesus was the Word made flesh.
The Spirit brings the word to our remem-
brance, and thus He works through the
word. No wonder that Jesus said, "The
words that I speak unto you, they are spirit
and they are life."
10.
What repeated admonition is
given by John concerning heeding
the words of the Spirit? Rev.
2:7, 11,
17, 29.
NoTE.—Since the Spirit is life, and Jesus'
words are life, and since the bodily flesh
profiteth little, then Christ's words and His
Spirit become all-important. Therefore a
discerning of His body will be a discerning
of the meaning of His words, which were
personified in His flesh. This discerning is
by the Spirit.
11.
What does the Holy Spirit
deepen in our hearts? Matt. 22:36-40;
Rom. 5:5.
Cleansing Through the Spirit
12.
When the body of Jesus is dis-
cerned, what fountain is opened in
Jerusalem? Zech. 13:1. Compare Ps.
51:1-7.
13.
What cleansing is assured?
What significant mention is made of
the Spirit in baptism? 1 John 1:7, 9;
1 Cor. 12:13; Matt. 28:19.
14.
With what are we sealed?
What earnest admonition is given us?
Eph. 1:13; 4:30.
[ 34]
Suggestions for Meditation
1. In view of John 6:63, much new mean-
ing can be found in the words of Jesus as
found in Luke 4:4: "It is written, That man
shall not live by bread alone, but by every
word of God;" and in John 4:34, "My meat
is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and
to finish His work."
2.
When we have partaken of the flesh
and blood of Jesus, thus receiving His life
and spirit of unselfishness, then we will be
willing to give all back to Him, liberally.
3.
Are we continually receiving the quick-
ening and cleansing power of the Holy
Spirit?
Lesson 11, for December 12, 1953
The Vine
MEMORY VERSE:
"If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask
what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified,
that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples." John 15:7, 8.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 296-306; "The Desire of Ages,"
pages 675-677.
AIM:
To understand better the relationship of the husbandman, the vine, the
branches, and the fruit.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Words; Introduction. Questions
1, 2.
3.
Questions 3-5; memorize John 15:
7, 8.
4.
Questions 6-10.
5.
Questions 11-14.
6.
Read "Christ's Object Lessons," pages
296-306; and "The Desire of
Ages," pages 675-677.
7.
Review entire lesson.
IV.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Introduction
II. An Old Testament Symbol
1.
Israel, the vine of God's planting.
Ps. 80:8.
2.
God's vine brings forth wild grapes.
Isa. 5:1, 2.
3.
Evidences of deterioration. Deut.
32:31-33 ; Hosea 10:1 ; Jer. 2:21.
4.
God's lament for His church. Isa.
5:3, 4.
5.
The inevitability of judgment. Isa.
5:5-7.
III. The New Testament Vine
1. Relationship between Christ and
His Father. John 15:1.
L 35
2.
Relationship between Christ and
His followers. John 15:4.
3.
Fruit bearing and acceptance, bar-
renness and rejection. John 15:
5, 6.
4.
Union with Christ, and the prayer
life. John 15:7.
5.
Condition of abiding. John 15:10;
14:15.
Glorifying the Father
1.
Fruit bearing to the glory of the
Father. John 15:8.
2.
The fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22, 23.
3.
The gift of peace. John 14:27.
4.
Christ's prayer for unity. John 17:
22, 23.
Key Words:
1.
Branch.
Christ is the Branch. See
Isa. 11:1; Jer. 23:5; and Zech. 3:8; 6:12.
He depended on His Father. John 14:21. In
turn, as branches, we must depend on
Christ, the Vine. John 15:1, 5. Christ, by de-
pending upon His Father, gave us an ex-
ample that we may know how to depend
on the Vine. A branch must depend upon
the Vine to bear fruit.
2.
Grapes.
This word is translated from
the Greek and means a single grape or a
cluster of grapes in the bunch.
The words "wild grapes" in Isaiah 5:2, 4
are the translation of a Hebrew word
meaning "poison, berries," and the verb
root means "to be offensive, to have a bad
odor." The Hebrews "stank" among the
heathen.
3.
Husbandman
in the Hebrew is lit-
erally "a man of the soil;" in the Greek it
is a compound of the words
earth
and
labor.
The husbandman plants, waters, culti-
vates, grafts, and prunes the vine that he
may enjoy its fruit. He leaves nothing un-
done that might result in more fruit, and
he waits for that fruit. See James 5:7. No
vine can bear fruit without the husband-
man.
4.
Vine
in the Hebrew comes from a
root meaning "to incline," and Christ, the
Vine, bent to His Father's will in every ef-
fort to save us. Christ depended upon His
Father for support, so we are to depend
upon Christ for support.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Christ is the Vine, and we are the
branches. The branches bear the fruit if
they abide in the Vine. Fruitless branches
are of no value. To bear fruit is their only
reason for existence.
There is a mystic relation of the Vine, the
branches, and the fruit itself which when
crushed gives the grape juice—the symbol
of the blood of Jesus.
We must abide in the Vine if we are to
have the protection and the approbation
of the Husbandman, and the only means of
communion with the Father is through
Christ.
"There can be no union between our soul
and God except through Christ. . . . Then
. . . we receive the bread and wine sym-
bolizing His broken body and spilled blood.
Thus we must feed on Christ, or we can
have no communion with Him."—Ellen G.
White, in
Review and Herald,
June 7, 1898.
An Old Testament Symbol
1.
Of what was the vine a symbol
in the Old Testament? Who planted
this vine? Ps. 80:8.
NOTE.—"In bringing forth Israel from
Egypt, the Lord again manifested His power
and His mercy. His wonderful works in
their deliverance from bondage and His
dealings with them in their travels through
the wilderness, were not for their benefit
alone. These were to be as an object lesson
to the surrounding
nations."—Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons,
pages 286, 287.
2.
How tenderly did God care for
His vine? What kind of fruit did it
bear? Isa. 5:1, 2.
NoTE.—"God desired to make of His peo-
ple Israel a praise and a glory. Every spirit-
ual advantage was given them. God with-
held from them nothing favorable to the
formation of character that would make
them representatives of
Himself."—Clzrist's
Object Lessons,
page 288.
3.
How do
.
other Old Testament
writers describe the deterioration of
God's vine? Deut. 32:31-33; Hosea
10:1; Jer. 2:21.
4.
What lament does God make
through Isaiah about Israel's wild
grapes? Isa. 5:3, 4.
[36
]
THE MASTER LONGS FOR U5 TO
PRODUCE FRUIT FOR 1415 KINGDOM.
NOTE.—"God desired to bring all peoples
under His merciful rule. He desired that the
earth should be filled with joy and peace.
He created man for happiness, and He longs
to fill human hearts with the peace of
heaven. He desires that the families below
shall be a symbol of the great family above."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 290.
5. What judgment was 'prophesied
for His people? Isa. 5:5-7.
NorE.—"Christ would have averted the
doom of the Jewish nation if the people
had received Him. But envy and jealousy
made them implacable. They determined
that they would not receive Jesus of Naza-
reth as the Messiah. They rejected the Light
of the world, and henceforth their lives
were surrounded with darkness as the dark-
ness of midnight. The doom foretold came
upon the Jewish nation. Their own fierce
passions, uncontrolled, wrought their ruin.
In their blind .rage they destroyed one an-
other. Their rebellious, stubborn pride
brought upon them the wrath of their Ro-
man conquerors. Jerusalem was destroyed,
the temple laid in ruins, and its site plowed
like a field. The children of Judah perished
by the most horrible forms of death. Mil-
lions were sold, to serve as bondmen in
heathen lands.
"As a people the Jews had failed of ful-
filling God's purpose, and the vineyard was
taken from them. The privileges they had
abused, the work they had slighted, were
entrusted to
others."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
pages 295, 296.
The New Testament Vine
6.
By what symbolic figure did
Jesus represent His relationship with
the Father? John 15:1.
7.
What close relationship is to
exist between Jesus and His follow-
ers? John 15:4.
NOTE.—"You are just as dependent upon
Christ, in order to live a holy life, as is the
branch upon the parent stock for growth
and fruitfulness. Apart from
Him
you have
no life. You have no power to resist tempta-
tion or to grow in grace and holiness. Abid-
ing in Him, you may flourish. Drawing
your life from Him, you will not wither nor
be fruitless. You will be like a tree planted
by the rivers of water."—Steps
to Christ,
page 73.
8.
What is said of the fruitful
branch and the unfruitful? John 15:
5, 6.
NoTE.—"Christ is the living Vine; and if
you are branches of that Vine, the life nour-
ishment which flows through it will nourish
you, that you will not be barren or un-
fruitful."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 522.
9.
What precious promise did
Jesus make to those who abide in
Him? John 15:7. Compare 1 John
3:22.
NorE.—"I asked the angel why there was
no more faith and power in Israel. He said,
`Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon.
[ 37 ]
Press your petitions to the throne, and hold
on by strong faith. The promises are sure.
Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and
ye shall have them.'
"—Early Writings,
page 73.
10.
What is the condition of our
abiding in Christ's love? John 15:10;
14:15, 23.
NOTE.—"The law of God is an expression
of His very nature; it is an embodiment of
the great principle of love, and hence is the
foundation of His government in heaven
and earth. If our hearts are renewed in the
likeness of God, if the divine love is im-
planted in the soul, will not the law of God
be carried out in the life? . . . Obedience—
the service and allegiance of love—is the
true sign of discipleship. Thus the Scrip-
ture says, 'This is the love of God, that we
keep His commandments.'
"—Steps to
Christ,
page 65.
Glorifying the Father
11.
How can the branch glorify
the Husbandman? John 15:8.
NOTE.—"All who receive Christ as a per-
sonal Saviour are to demonstrate the truth
of the gospel and its saving power upon the
life. God makes no requirement without
making provision for its fulfillment. Through
the grace of Christ we may accomplish
everything that God requires. All the riches
of heaven are to be revealed through God's
people. 'Herein is My Father glorified,'
Christ says, 'that ye bear much fruit; so
shall ye be My disciples.'
"—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 301.
12.
What fruit will be found on
the branch that abides in the True
Vine? Gal. 5:22, 23.
13.
What one outstanding fruit
of the Spirit did Jesus promise to give
to His disciples? John 14:27.
NOTE.—"This peace is not something that
He gives apart from Himself. It is in Christ,
and we can receive it only by receiving
Him."—The Ministry of Healing,
page 247.
14.
What great desire did Jesus
express in His prayer for His disciples
that may be represented by the union
of the vine and the branches? John
17:22, 23.
FOREIGN-LANGUAGE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLIES
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Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Write to the Inter-
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[ 38
Lesson 12, for December 19, 1953
The New Commandment
MEMORY VERSE:
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one an-
other
;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall
all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another."
John 13:34, 35.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 504, 505, 677, 678.
AIM:
To understand better the relationship of love to the law and to the ser-
vice of humanity as Christ has given us an example.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
4.
of the lesson, based on outline.
5.
2.
Key Words; Introduction. Questions
6.
1-3.
3.
Questions 4-6; memorize John 13:
7.
34, 35.
Questions 7-9.
Questions 10-13.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp.
504, 505, 677, 678.
Review entire lesson; think about
Suggestions for Meditation.
Lesson Outline:
I. Introduction
II. The Supremacy of Divine Love
1.
The new commandment. John
13:34.
2.
The Father's revelation of His love.
John 3:16; Eph. 2:4-7; Rom. 5:8.
3.
The Holy Spirit's revelation of
God's love. Rom. 5:5.
III. Christ, the Supreme Revelation of
God's Love
1.
Manifestation of God's love in
Christ. 1 John 4:9, 10.
2.
The measure of Christ's love. John
15:9, 13.
3.
The constancy of Christ's love. Rom.
8:35, 38, 39.
IV. Love in Action
1.
Love washes us free from sin. Rev.
1:5.
2.
Love embraces our enemies, the
hateful, and the spiteful. Matt.
5:44.
3.
Christ reveals His love for His en-
emies. Luke 23:44.
V. The Law of Love
1.
Love, the essence of the law. Matt.
22:37-40.
2.
Christ's new commandment. John
13:34,35.
3.
Christ in the heart enables us to
comprehend the love of God. Eph.
3:18, 19.
4.
Love makes us God's sons and re-
stores us eventually to God's
image. 1 John 3:1, 2.
Key Words:
1.
"Commandment."
The Greek word
translated
commandment
means "an injunc-
tion or precept." Literally it means "the
point aimed at, or the goal."
God's commands hang on love. The giv-
ing of His commands is born of love. We
join hands with God in love, and every
command becomes a promise of victory.
2.
Disciple
is translated from a Greek
word meaning "learner." The English word
disciple
comes from a Latin word which
means "to learn." Real disciples always will
be learners. The one who thinks he has
[39
]
learned enough has never learned the most
important thing—that learning is more im-
portant than mere knowing.
3. "Example."
"Christ also suffered
for us, leaving us an example, that ye
should follow His steps." 1 Peter 2:21. The
word
example
here is translated from a
Greek word meaning "a copy for imitation."
Christ is the personification of the written
word, and the one perfect "copy for imita-
tion."
4. Pray.
Several Greek words are
translated
pray;
but in: "Love your ene-
mies, . . . and pray for them which des-
pitefully use you" (Matt. 5:44), the word
pray
is translated from a word meaning
"pros" (motion toward) plus "wish," or
prayer. In this case it means that when we
pray for an enemy we are to wish him well
in prayer and move toward our wish. Prayer
has to do with action as well as with words.
To love a person is to pray for him.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Love is difficult to define, but it is easy to
recognize. Love is the most powerful force
in the universe. It brought the Son of God
from His throne in heaven to die for sinful
man. John 3:16. We think of death as be-
ing one of the enemies hardest to conquer,
yet love overcame even that. "Love is strong
as death." Song of Solomon 8:6.
Love can overcome great obstacles. Love
is the most powerful of motivating forces.
If we love God we have no difficulty in keep-
ing His commandments. See John 14:15;
15:10. If our commandment keeping is
from duty only, we will soon fall by the
way. Love is the only force that can keep
us in the way of commandment keeping.
God the Father and the Son have given us
love's supreme example. All of God's law
and authority hang on love. The Holy
Spirit makes that love real to us by His
presence in the heart.
The Supremacy of Divine Love
1. What new commandment did
Jesus give after the Lord's Supper,
and how much were the disciples to
love one another? John 13:34.
NOTE.—"To the disciples this command-
ment was new; for they had not loved one
another as Christ had loved them. He saw
that new ideas and impulses must control
them; that new principles must be practiced
by them; through His life and death they
were to receive a new conception of love.
The command to love one another had a
new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice.
The whole work of grace is one continual
service of love, of self-denying, self-sacri-
ficing effort. During every hour of Christ's
sojourn upon the earth, the love of God was
flowing from Him in irrepressible streams.
All who are imbued with His Spirit will
love as He loved. The very principle that
actuated Christ will actuate them in all their
dealing one with another."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 677, 678.
2.
How did God the Father show
His love for men? John 3:16; Eph.
2:4-7; Rom. 5:8.
3.
What does the Holy Spirit bring
to the heart of man? Rom. 5:5.
Christ, the Supreme Revelation
of God's Love
4.
In what was the love of God
made manifest? 1 John 4:9, 10.
5.
How much did Jesus love us,
and how did He demonstrate His
love? John 15:9, 13.
NOTE.—While the supreme example of Je-
sus' love was His death, yet there were vlany
40
AS WE PUT THE LAW
OF GOD
IN THE
FRAME OF LOVE, IT BECOMES FULL
AND
COMPLETE .
other ways in which He showed His love.
He served men, instructed them, fed them,
and He trusted them to be His witnesses.
6.
What assurance is given the
Christian of the constancy of Christ's
love? Rom. 8:35, 38, 39.
Love in Action
7.
What two things, in their or-
der, did Jesus do for us? Rev. 1:5.
NorE.—Jesus first loved us, and then
washed us. Love must precede service.
8.
In what words did Jesus com-
mand us to love the unlovely, and
for whom did He say we should pray?
Matt. 5:44.
NOTE.—"Love and loyalty to Christ are
the spring of all true service. In the heart
touched by His love, there is begotten
a
desire to work for Him. Let this desire be
encouraged and rightly
guided."—Educa-
tion,
page 268.
We should be willing to serve one an-
other (John 13:5, 15) ; we ghould deal our
bread to the hungry (Isa. 58:7) ; and we
should instruct men and make of them dis-
ciples that they in turn may become wit-
nesses (Matt. 28:19, 20).
9.
How did Jesus reveal' His love
for His enemies? Luke 23:34.
The Law of Love
10.
Upon what does the 'law of
God hang? Matt: 22:37-40.
1
'
1
NorE.—Not only does the law hang on
love, but love is the fulfilling of the ra
.
W:
Rom. 13:10. The Holy GhOst writes the
law in the heart. 2 Cor. 3:3 ; Heb. 8:10:
This law, or the fulfilling 'Of that law b";
love, is put in the heart by the Holy GhOk.
Rom. 5:5. Thus we see that love—,the
filling of the law—is put in the heart througli
the Spirit's work.
11.
How shall men know that we
are Christ's disciples? John 13:35.
NorE.—"In the church of God today,
brotherly love is sadly lacking. Many who
profess to love the Saviour do not love one
another. Unbelievers are watching to see if
the faith of professed Christians is exerting
a sanctifying influence upon their lives; and
they are quick to discern the defects in
character, the inconsistencies in action. Let
Christians not make it possible for the en-
emy to point to them and say, Behold how
these people, standing under the banner of
Christ, hate one another. Christians are all
members of one family, all children of the
same heavenly Father, with the same
blessed hope of immortality. Very close
and tender should be the tie that binds them
together."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page
550.
12.
How fully are Christians priv-
ileged to comprehend the law of
love? Eph. 3:18, 19.
13.
Because of God's love, what
[411
are we called? Through that love
what will we be like when He ap-
pears? 1 John 3:1, 2.
NOTE.—"As John beholds the height, the
depth, and the breadth of the Father's
love toward our perishing race, he is filled
with admiration and reverence. He cannot
find suitable language to express this love,
but he calls upon the world to behold it:
`Behold, what manner of love the Father
hath bestowed upon us, that we should be
called the sons of God.' What a value this
places upon man ! Through transgression the
sons of men became subjects of Satan.
Through the infinite sacrifice of Christ, and
faith in His name, the sons of Adam become
the sons of God. By assuming human na-
ture, Christ elevates humanity. Fallen men
are granted another trial and are placed
where, through connection with Christ, they
may educate, improve, and elevate them-
selves, that they may indeed become worthy
of the name 'sons of God.'
"—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 563.
Suggestions for Meditation
1.
"Love to God, zeal for His glory, was
the controlling power in our Saviour's life.
Love beautified and ennobled all His ac-
tions. Love is of God. The unconsecrated
heart cannot originate or 'produce it. It is
found only in the heart where Jesus reigns.
'We love, because He first loved us.' In the
heart renewed by divine grace, love is the
principle of action. It modifies the character,
governs the impulses, controls the passions,
subdues enmity, and ennobles the affections.
This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens
the life, and sheds a refining influence on all
around."—Steps to Christ,
page 64.
2.
The ordinances of the Lord's house are
to impress the new commandment on our
hearts.
Lesson 13, for December 26, 1953
"That They All May Be One"
MEMORY VERSE: "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in
Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that
Thou hast sent Me." John 17:21.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 672, 673; "The Acts of the Apostles,"
pages 87-96.
AIM: To understand better the meaning of "oneness," and encourage this "one-
ness" in personal experience.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
5. Questions 12-14.
of the lesson, based on outline.
6. Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 672,
2.
Key Words; Introduction. Questions
673; "The Acts of the Apostles,"
1, 2.
pp. 87-96.
3.
Questions 3-6; memorize John
7. Review entire lesson; think about
17:21.
Suggestions for Meditation.
4.
Questions 7-11.
X
42]
Lesson Outline:
I. Introduction
II. Close of Upper-Room Service
1.
Jesus' closing words in the upper
room. Mark 14:25.
2.
The parting hymn. Mark 14:26.
III. Christ's Prayer for His Church
1.
His committal. John 17:1-3.
2.
The objects of His prayer. John 17:
1, 9, 20.
3.
Prayer for disciples to be kept from
the world. John 17:11, 12, 15.
4.
Prayer for unity. John 17:21-23.
IV. Unity and Its Results
1.
Christ glorified God by finishing His
work, and God glorifies Christ in
the lives of believers. John 17:4,
9-11.
2.
Jesus expected the church to be
sanctified and unified by the word
of truth. John 17:17.
3.
Union with Christ makes us chil-
dren, heirs, kings, priests, sons of
God. Rom. 8:16, 17; Rev. 1:6.
4.
Union through Christ's love secures
us against separation and loss.
Rom. 8:38, 39.
V. Conclusion
1.
The cup of the Lord and the cup of
devils. 1 Cor. 10:21.
2.
Many members of one body.
1
Cor.
10:17; Eph. 5:30.
3.
Forever with the Lord. John 17:24;
1 Thess. 4:16, 17.
Key Words:
1. Oneness
means not only oneness
with Christ, but the integration of one's
powers, mental, physical, moral, and emo-
tional. When we have achieved this one-
ness with Christ we will be at one with our
fellow men. Paul said, "What I would,
that do I not; but what I hate, that do I."
Rom. 7:15. When God made Paul "one,"
he said, "This one thing I do." Phil. 3:13.
2.
"Sanctification"
is the making holy
of the whole being. Each day the old poW-
ers and the newly acquired skills are placed
on the altar of sanctification. Therefore
"sanctification is the work of a lifetime."-
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 65. Justifica-
tion can be had in a moment. Justification
deals with the clearing of the past. Sancti-
fication is progressive, for it has to do with
constant growth. One may be living a sanc-
tified life, but the sanctification is not com-
plete until the earthly life is finished:
3.
"Truth"
is difficult to define. Cer-
tainly it is not static, but dynamic-it moves:
Truth is personified in Christ, who said:
"I
am the way, the truth, and the life."
14:6. One does not have the truth until he
has Christ. Truth is stable, eternal, and
changeless; but the unfolding of it to us is
an eternal process. One should be careful
how he uses the expression "in the truth,"
for it means far more than merely subscrib-
ing to a system of doctrines. To have the
truth means that one is a disciple-a learner
forever and always.
4.
"Kings and Priests."
Adam was
king and priest; but when he fell he lost'his
kingship. In Christ the priesthood and
kingship are reunited. Until men are again
"one" with God they are incapable of car-
rying kingship and priesthood. When men
become "one" with God, He .restores to
them what Adam lost, and they will then
become "kings and priests" with Him.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Oneness with God-the restoration of
God's image in man, the integration of man
into all the loving purposes of God, is the
real reason for giving to the disciples the
Lord's Supper. In fact, it is the reason for
Christ's whole life and death; for by mak-
ing men "one," God would be justified in
His purpose before all. See Rom. 3:4. The
prayer, "That they all may be one," is a
benediction to all the efforts of the Godhead
in behalf of man.
Close of the Upper-Room Service
1. What final declaration did Je-
sus make in the upper room? Mark
14:25.
[ 43 ]
2.
What was the fitting conclusion
to the service in the upper room?
Mark 14:26.
NOTE. Smith's
Bible Dictionary,
under
"Passover," says that, at the time of the
Passover, Jesus and His disciples are sup-
posed to have sung Psalms 115 to 118. Ac-
cording to
The Desire of Ages,
page 672, Je-
sus and His disciples sang (at least) Psalm
117 after the Last,Supper. It is significant
that Jesus sang this particularly joyful
psalm when He was under such a burden.
Christ's Prayer for His Church
3.
In His committal to His Father,
in what did Christ say eternal life
consists? John 17:1-3.
4.
For whom especially did He
pray? John 17:9, 20.
5.
From what did He pray that
His disciples should be protected?
John 17:11, 12, 15.
6.
What experience especially did
He long to see in His followers? John
17:21-23.
NOTE.—"In
its last part the intercessory
prayer of the great High Priest bore on the
work of the disciples and its fruits. . . .
And in view of this, their work, to which
they were consecrated, did Christ pray not
for them alone, but also for those who,
through their word, would believe in Him,
'in order,' or 'that so,' all may be one'—
form a unity. Christ, as sent by the Father,
gathered out the original `unity;' they, as
sent by Him, and consecrated by His con-
secration, were to gather others, but all
were to form one great unity, through the
common spiritual communication. . . . 'I
THE CHURCH STANDS UN ED AGAINST
THE ENEMY AS EVERY MEMBER STANDS
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH HIS BROTHER.
in them, and Thou in Me, so that they may
be perfected into one'—the ideal unity and
real character of the church, this`so that
the world may know that Thou didst send
Me, and lovedst them as Thou lovedst Me.'"
—Alfred Edersheim,
The Life and Times of
Jesus the Messiah,
new American ed., vol.
2, p. 531.
Unity and Its Results
7.
How had the Son and the
Father glorified each other? John
17:4, 9-11.
8.
What had Christ done for His
disciples? John 17:6-8.
NoTE.—"The unity of the church is the
convincing evidence that God has sent Jesus
into the world as its Redeemer. This is an
argument which worldlings cannot contro-
vert. Therefore Satan is constantly working
to prevent this union and harmony, that
unbelievers, by witnessing backsliding, dis-
sension, and strife among professed Chris-
tians, may become disgusted with religion
and be confirmed in their impenitence."—'
Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 620.
9.
To what glorious heights. did
Jesus expect the disciples to rise, and
how? John 17:17, 22-26.
[ 44 ]
NOTE.—Santtification and "oneness,"
"in
[probably a better translation than
through]
the truth." The Revised Standard Version,
Luther's translation (in German) put out
by the American Bible Society, and Alfred
Edersheim agree that John 17:17, 19 should
read "in . . .'truth" rather than "through
. . . truth." We are sanctified while we
are "in Christ"—the truth.
10.
Through being one with
Christ, what are ,we to become? Rev.
1:6; Rom. 8:16, 17; 1 John 3:1, 2.
11.
What, can separate us from
this glorious experience of oneness
with. God and His love? Rom. 8:38, 39.
NOTE.—"What a preparation these disci-
ples had received for the work before them 1
They had passed through the deepest trial
which it was possible for them to experience,
and had seen how, when to human vision all
was lost, the word of God had been tri-
umphantly accomplished. Henceforward
what could daunt their faith, or chill the
ardor of their love? In the keenest sorrow
they had 'strong consolation,' a hope which
was as 'an anchor of the soul, both sure and
steadfast.' They had been witness to the
wisdom and power of God, and they were
`persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor principalities,- nor powers, nor
things present, nor things to come, nor
height, nor depth, nor any other creature,'
would be able to separate them from 'the
love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our
Lord.'
"—The Great Controversy,
page 350.
Conclusion
12.
If we fail to partake of the
Lord's cup, of whose cup do we
drink? 1 Cor.
13.
In what words does Paul em-
phasize the oneness of those who par-
AIDS TO BETTER TEACHING
"The Lord has made ample provision that teachers may have
increased ability from Sabbath to Sabbath." "Counsels on Sab-
bath School Work," page 104.
"The true teacher .
constantly seeks higher attainments and
better methods. His life is one of continual growth."—Ibid., p. 103.
To this end the Sabbath School Department of the General
Conference conducts a Sabbath School Workers' Reading Course
each year. The book selected for the first half of next year is
"Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students," by Ellen G. White.
The careful reading of the selected portions from this book, to-
gether with the "Sabbath School Worker" articles, as indicated in
the section of the "Worker" giving the Reading Course assign-
ments, constitutes the Sabbath School Workers' Reading Course
for the first half of 1954. We strongly recommend this course to
every teacher. Order the book and the "Sabbath School Worker"
through your church missionary secretary.
General Conference Sabbath School Department.
[ 45 ]
take of the Lord's Supper worthily?
1 Cor. 10:17; Eph. 5:30.
14. For what did Christ pray con-
cerning Himself and His followers?
How and when will this part of the
prayer be fully answered? John 17:
24; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.
NoTE.—"The Communion service points
to Christ's second coming. It was designed
to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the
disciples. Whenever they met together to
commemorate His death, they recounted
how 'He took the cup, and gave thanks, and
gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
for this is My blood of the new testament,
which is shed for many for the remission of
sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink
henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until
that day when I drink it new with you in
My Father's kingdom.' In their tribulation
they found comfort in the hope
,
of their
Lord's return. Unspeakably precious to
them was the thought, 'As often as ye eat
this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show
the Lord's death till He come."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 659.
Suggestions for Meditation
1.
By participating in the Lord's Supper
with understanding, we are to show forth
His love, His death, the exceeding riches of
His grace, His salvation, and our
oneness
with the Godhead. This is a mystery to the
wicked, and a marvel to all who live by the
power of the Godhead through eternity.
2.
When we gather around the Lord's ta-
ble and find the "oneness" for which Christ
prayed, we will find ourselves with a will-
ingness to give of our time, our efforts, our
money, and our all to Him in thanksgiving.
[ 46 ]
LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1954
Sabbath-school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson
Quarterly
for the first quarter of 1954 will be helped by the following
outline in studying the first lesson. They will thus be able to follow
the daily study of the lesson.
The general topic of the lessons is "Christian Life and Service."
The memory verse is
2
Peter 3
Lesson i for January
2
is entitled,
"God Is Fitting Men for His Eternal Kingdom." The texts to be
studied are:
Ques. 1. Matt. 6:33;
1 John 2:15, 17.
Ques. 2. Heb. 11:10, 14, 16;
Dan. 7:18, 22, 27.
Ques. 3. Isa. 65:17-19, 21, 22;
Rev. 21:1-4.
__Ques. 4. Matt. 5:3, 5; Ps. 24:3-5.
Ques. 5. Matt. 25:31-33.
Ques. 6. Ps. 15:1, 2; 9:17.
Ques. 7. Deut. 30:15, 19.
Ques. 8. 2 Cor. 13:5; Lam. 3:40.
Ques. 9. Ps. 14:2,3; Isa. 64:6.
Ques. 10. Isa. 45:22; 17:7;
Lam. 5:21.
Ques. 11. Job 22:21; John 17:3.
Ques. 12. 2 Peter 3:11-14.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
December 26, 1953—Australasian Division
Guadalcanal, New Britain, New Georgia, Port Moresby, Manus, Lae,
New Guinea—places that made news headlines during World War II—come
alive again as we listen to the mission stories this quarter, for the overflow
from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering that will be given on December 26
will go to the Australasian Division to help in building the Coral Sea Union
Mission College, where young people from many of these South Sea islands
may be trained to carry the gospel to their own people. Let us rally to the aid
of these young people who showed such a spirit of integrity and Christian
helpfulness during the war when they were cut off from mission help.
[ 47 ]
SUICA
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CORAL SEA UNION MISSION
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DIVISION)
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TRANS-COMMONWEALTH
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124
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13,571
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